Man jailed for horrific attack on two female officers

A man has been jailed for eight years for a violent and unprovoked attack on two Met police officers.

Mark Weatherley, 43, (28.09.1981) of Hatherley Road, Sidcup, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, 26 September having previously admitted two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent. He will have to spend another four years on licence after his release.

Both female officers, who are attached to the response team on the South East Command Unit, were badly injured and remain off work while they continue to recover.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who leads policing in the area, said: “This was an utterly horrific unprovoked attack on two officers who had attended the address in response to reports of a disturbance.

“As they attempted to arrest Weatherley he turned aggressive and violent, repeatedly punching and stamping on them.

“I am immensely grateful to the officers who came to the aid of their colleagues, demonstrating the upmost bravery and professionalism in working together to not only provide immediate care and medical assistance but also swiftly arresting Weatherley.

“If they had not intervened I have no doubt Weatherley would have continued his brutal attack. The level of hatred and violence directed towards the officers by Weatherley was deeply shocking and distressing.

“This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks Met officers face every day just doing their jobs as they work to protect the public and keep London safe.”

The incident happened on Monday, 29 June at around midday as police were called to reports of a disturbance at Weatherley’s address in Hatherley Road, Sidcup.

While officers were supporting the female victim, Weatherley, who had not been there, returned to the address.

He immediately became threatening and abusive towards the officers.

They tried to speak and calm him down before calling for further support and attempting to arrest him.

Weatherley resisted before punching one of the officers in the side of her head, knocking her unconscious.

He then attacked the second officer, punching her several times in the head. She fell to the ground unconscious where Weatherley kicked her in the face.

Weatherley then returned to the first officer and attacked her again, while verbally abusing both officers.

More officers then entered the address to arrest Weatherley, who commented he would have done worse had it been male officers.

Other officers raced to help their injured colleagues before they were both taken to hospital, one with multiple facial fractures across her eye socket and cheek and the other a broken nose and facial wounds.

In custody, investigating officers had to interview Weatherley through his cell door due to his extreme violence. He was aggressive towards officers throughout, continuing to threaten and abuse them. When shown body worn video footage of the attack, he said the officers had “deserved it” and he would do it again.

He was charged and pleaded guilty on Tuesday, 29 July.

James Bowker, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South, said:

“We worked collaboratively with police - reviewing video footage, medical evidence and witness statements to build a watertight case against Weatherley and bring charges that reflected the seriousness and extent of his offending.

“Police officers do a brave and difficult job in protecting their local communities, and they should be able to do so safely and without fear. I hope today’s outcome demonstrates that the criminal justice system will always use the full weight of the law to protect emergency workers.”