Man Jailed for Dousing Eight Police Officers with Petrol in Shocking Basildon Attack
A shock assault in Basildon has landed Justin Jackson behind bars after he threw petrol over eight police officers, hospitalising two. The 28-year-old was sentenced to three years and nine months at Basildon Crown Court today for deliberately attacking officers with a noxious substance.
Petrol Attack After Dangerous Bike Chase
The drama unfolded on Sunday 5 May during a police operation monitoring a motorbike stunt event in Canvey. The rider was performing reckless wheelies, darting across pedestrian areas and driving the wrong way down roads – nearly crashing into a car. With help from a police helicopter, officers tracked the bike to Ward Close, Basildon, where the rider was arrested at gunpoint with Tasers.
While making arrests, Justin Jackson suddenly charged the officers from behind with a red watering can filled with petrol. He drenched all eight in the flammable liquid. Two officers needed hospital treatment after accidentally swallowing or inhaling the petrol, while six others suffered burns or petrol in their eyes and were treated on-site.
Bravery Under Fire: Officers Back on Duty Same Day
Despite this terrifying assault, all eight officers returned to work that very same day. Superintendent Jonathan Baldwin, one of the victims, said:
“The events of that day will always remain with me. The physical pain fades, but the fear it sparked stays. Every operational call makes me think back to the moment someone shouted ‘petrol!’”
“What makes me proud is that none of us took any sick leave. We come back because we don’t do this just for ourselves, but for the public.”
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington also praised their resilience and condemned the attack:
“When news broke of this horrific assault, it shook us all. These officers were doing their duty protecting the public. Their bravery and restraint were first class.”
“No officer should face this kind of attack. I’m glad the court has sent a strong message by jailing Jackson.”
“If you assault our officers, we will pursue you relentlessly and ensure you face justice.”
Additional Sentences for Related Offences
- A 17-year-old from Basildon was fined and banned from driving for 12 months after dangerous driving linked to the same event.
- Janine Justin, 47, also from Ward Close, got nine months suspended for possession of an offensive weapon, fined £140 and ordered 200 hours of unpaid work.
- Shannon Jackson, 20, faces a trial for obstructing a constable, with her next hearing in February.
- Two others, a 30-year-old Basildon man and a 17-year-old girl from Corringham, were released without charge.
This violent petrol attack has rocked Essex Police but showcased the true grit and dedication of frontline officers. Justin Jackson now faces a prison sentence that matches the severity of his reckless and dangerous crime.
