Drunk Driver Jailed After Brutal Attack on Policeman
James Wilson, 33, from Hanham, has been locked up for more than seven years after launching a savage attack on a police officer during a drunken joyride gone wrong.
BMW Crash Sparks Violent Assault on PC
On December 22, 2017, Wilson crashed his black BMW into parked cars on Lulworth Crescent, Emersons Green. Police arrived to find him staggering from the driver’s seat, claiming he “found his car like that.”
When PC Luke Watson tried to perform a breathalyser test, Wilson launched a desperate and violent attempt to gouge the officer’s eye in an effort to escape. Back-up officers intervened just in time, saving PC Watson from serious, possibly permanent, eye injury.
Long Prison Term for Multiple Offences
- Attempting to cause grievous bodily harm
- Assaulting an emergency worker
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
- Refusing to provide a breath specimen
- Driving without insurance
Wilson was sentenced to seven years and four months behind bars. His vicious attack left PC Watson unable to work for over two weeks with severe swelling and bruising around his eye.
Police Stand Firm on Protecting Frontline Staff
“The sentence reflects the severity of the crime and how seriously the courts take these matters,” said PC Alex Higham. “Violence against anyone, especially emergency personnel who are there to protect and serve the public, will not be tolerated.”
“PC Watson was extremely fortunate not to lose his eye or sustain permanent damage, which could have happened without the quick action of his colleagues.”
