Man who threatened people with tasers in Woking jailed

Author: Grace McGachyPublished 4th Apr 2023

A man who threatened people in Woking with a taser and bit a police officer has been jailed for 6 years.

35 year old Graham Balabanoff, of George Road, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to cause violence and one count of assault on an emergency worker.

On Friday, 21 January 2022, Balabanoff who was armed with two tasers began making threats to the public on Campbell Avenue,shouting that he would kill them while carrying the tasers in his hand.

While threatening one woman, Balabanoff discharged the taser and knocked her to the ground but she was unharmed.

Police were called to the scene by frightened residents and officers located Balabanoff in a nearby residential address and arrested him immediately.

Several officers were needed to restrain Balabanoff, who was aggressive towards them.

A spit hood came loose from an officer’s jacket and Balabanoff shoved this in his mouth.

When the officer tried to recover it, he bit down on her fingers.

Detective Constable Kerry Plumb, who investigated the case, said:

“This was a terrifying incident for anyone in the area. Balabanoff’s erratic behaviour was unprovoked and random - he threatened whoever he came across on Campbell Avenue.

"Thankfully this type of attack is very rare and I hope the local community will take some reassurance from the fact that Balabanoff has been sentenced to time in jail.”