Man sentenced after officer’s jaw fractured in ‘unprovoked assault’

20 April 2026

A ‘deeply serious and entirely unprovoked’ assault on a police officer that led to a fractured jaw has been described by Luke Mitchell as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by members on a daily basis.

Tyler McQuarrie, 26, was sentenced to more than four years in prison after admitting grievous bodily harm, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (cocaine), possession with intent to supply Class B drugs (cannabis), and possession of cannabis.

The sentencing came after a single-crewed police constable stopped a vehicle driven by McQuarrie last October.

McQuarrie was detained under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and cannabis was found in his pocket. Without warning, he struck the officer with significant force before returning to the vehicle and driving off.

Taser

Despite being left injured at the roadside, bleeding and in shock, the officer attempted to detain McQuarrie by discharging his Taser. Colleagues arrived shortly afterwards to assist. Subsequent hospital scans confirmed the officer had suffered fractures to his jaw, eye socket and cheekbone.

McQuarrie was arrested the following day before being charged and remanded in custody.

Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Luke Mitchell said: “This was a deeply serious and entirely unprovoked assault on this officer while he was carrying out proactive policing duties - the very work he does every single day to protect the public.

“Despite his experience, professionalism and judgement, he was violently attacked, and the force used against him caused significant and lasting injury. Had the blow landed just millimetres differently, we could be speaking about a very different and far more tragic outcome today.

“Instead, we are talking about an officer whose life has been changed in every respect - physically, mentally, and professionally - as a result of one moment of senseless violence.

“Let me be clear, this is not something that ends when the court case concludes - it is something he will carry with him for the rest of his life. No custodial sentence, no matter its length, can ever truly reflect the harm caused in cases like this.

“Officers should not be going to work and being assaulted in this way - they should be able to carry out their duties without fear of violence.

“As a Federation, we will continue to support our colleague, his wife and their young family, as well as the wider Hertfordshire policing team, who have been deeply affected by the seriousness of this incident.

Justice

“Finally, I want to recognise the professionalism and determination of the investigating team. The outcome of today’s sentencing reflects their hard work, persistence, and commitment to ensuring justice was achieved for our colleague.”

Investigating officer Detective Sian Smith echoed Luke’s comments.

“The assault was carried out on an officer for simply carrying out his duties in a professional and respectful manner,” she said, describing McQuarrie as showing ‘zero remorse’.

She added that the guilty plea meant the officer was spared the ordeal of a trial, and said the force’s thoughts remained with him as he continues to recover with support from colleagues, the constabulary, and the Hertfordshire Police Federation.