Fed welcomes six-year jail sentence after officers attacked

29 June 2021

Suffolk Police Federation chair Darren Harris has welcomed a six-year jail sentence handed down to a man who assaulted two Lowestoft police officers.

Mark Bedwell (50) of Tonning Street in the town pleaded guilty to two offences of unlawfully and maliciously throwing a corrosive fluid, with intent to burn, maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm when he appeared at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday (Monday 28 June).

“This was a despicable attack on two officers who were going about their duties, serving and protecting their communities,” says Darren, “They suffered serious physical injuries with burning and blistering on their faces, necks, heads and hands but, of course, there is also a long-lasting mental and emotional impact for those who are subjected to these type of attacks and we are continuing to offer them our support.

“We welcome this jail sentence which we hope sends out a very clear message that individuals who attack police officers will feel the full weight of the law. For far too long, police officers have come to accept that being assaulted is just part of the job. But that should never be the case. An assault on a police officer is an attack on the very fabric of society.

“The Police Federation has long campaigned for tougher sentences for those who assault officers and other emergency service workers and we will continue to urge the courts to use the full sentencing powers they have been given for these cases.”

The incident happened at around 4.45am on Thursday 5 December 2019 where police attended Bedwell’s address on Tonning Street as part of a pre-planned joint operation with the Metropolitan Police to arrest him in connection with other offences and extradite him to America.

Bedwell sprayed a noxious liquid, now known to be drain cleaner, at the two male officers, using a children’s ‘super-soaker’ gun. He then fled the scene.

Both officers were taken by ambulance to James Paget Hospital for treatment. One was discharged later that day while the other was discharged the following day. Both needed subsequent treatment at Broomfield Hospital burns unit.

Bedwell was arrested at James Paget Hospital later on the morning of the attack after another police officer established he was there for treatment to an injured ankle.

He was taken to Great Yarmouth Police Investigation Centre for questioning and charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm. 

Detective Inspector Matt Adams of Lowestoft CID said: “This sentence handed out by the courts reflects the severity and seriousness of the incident. Both officers who were injured have outlined how it has had a significantly detrimental effect on them. The physical pain and discomfort both experienced afterwards has alleviated but the mental trauma remains for both.

“Any assault or attack on a police officer is deplorable. It is completely unacceptable to assault a person who is simply going out to do their job and do their best to serve the community and to work with and protect the public. This six-year sentence is a clear reminder to anyone who thinks they can attack officers without consequence is wrong. We will take action against those people to secure a prosecution and bring the perpetrators to justice.”