Man Throws Petrol Over Cops in Shocking Basildon Attack
Dangerous Pursuit Ends in Petrol Assault
Justin Jackson, 28, from Basildon, has been sentenced to nearly four years behind bars after dousing eight police officers in petrol during a terrifying May 2019 incident. Officers were chasing a motorbike being driven dangerously when Jackson made his shocking move.
After an eight-mile chase, the biker was cornered in Ward Close and resisted arrest. As officers struggled to subdue him, a hostile crowd gathered, hurling abuse. Then Jackson sprinted in holding a watering can filled with petrol and splashed it over officers.
‘Light Them Up!’ Crowd Urges Arson
The attack left two officers hospitalised, with petrol burning their skin and filling their eyes and mouths. Worse, the angry crowd shouted, “Light them up!”, urging someone to set the soaked officers on fire. Smoking bystanders and tasers wielded by police officers made the situation even more explosive.
Chief Inspector Jonathan Baldwin said: “One spark could have left us disfigured or dead.”
Brave Officers Fight Back Amid Chaos
PC Andrew Bird recalled the chaos vividly. “Out of nowhere, this guy sprinted straight at us. I tried to stop him but we both went down,” he said. PC Matthew Cutts dealt with the petrol-wielding attacker, striking him with his baton while struggling against the petrol’s burning effects.
Residents rushed to help by rinsing petrol off the officers until the fire service arrived. Despite the danger, the police held their ground. Backup flooded the scene, and multiple arrests followed.
Justice Served After Coordinated Police Probe
The investigation, led by DC Natalie Backhouse, saw three people charged. Jackson was jailed for three years and nine months. A 17-year-old biker got a 12-month driving ban and a fine. Janine Justin, 47, was given a suspended prison sentence for possession of an offensive weapon.
Others were released without charge.
PC Cutts reflected: “You’ve just got to stay calm and put on a brave face.”
Chief Inspector Baldwin warned: “If you ever think about throwing petrol over emergency workers, pack your toothbrush—you’ll be going to prison.”
All eight officers were officially commended for their courage by Judge Samantha Cohen at Basildon Court.
