Gang jailed after violent attack on police officer

Samuel Lane, Martin Rivers, Macauley Owen, Craig Bradley and Josh Blackston were sentenced to more than 20 years in jail between them

A gang which threw rocks, bricks and bottles at police officers has been jailed for more than 20 years.

Sgt Steve Bolsover was left with a severed nerve in his hand and said the violent attack in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, last November had "destroyed" his life and career.

Craig Bradley, Martin Rivers, Samuel Lane and Macauley Owen were all sentenced at Teesside Crown Court.

Josh Blackston was sentenced in his absence and an appeal has been launched to find him.

Sgt Bolsover, of Cleveland Police, was set upon after his colleague had arrested 36-year-old Bradley in the early hours of 26 November 2023.

After being handcuffed, Bradley shouted at his associates to get the police off him, and said "there’s more of you, do them," the court heard.

As PC Shuttleworth detained Bradley, Sgt Bolsover extended his baton to protect himself, as rocks, concrete, bricks and bottles were thrown at him from a few yards away.

Life-changing impact

Prosecution barrister Paul Rooney described the attack as "prolonged".

He said: "The officer was grossly outnumbered, bombarded with missiles, with the nearest other police officers being seven miles away."

Sgt Bolsover said he suffered multiple lacerations and needed surgery after a nerve was severed in his hand.

The court heard he now struggled to hold things properly and was unable to close his hand after surgery.

He has also suffered post-traumatic stress disorder.

In a victim personal statement, the officer said he feared he would never work again.

"My life and career have been destroyed and I have been left with life changing injuries."

'Ugly mob violence'

Josh Blackston, who was sentenced in his absence, and Macauley Owen were both jailed for six years and one month.

Craig Bradley, considered the main instigator of the attack, and Samuel Lane were both sentenced to two years and ten months in prison.

Martin Rivers was sentenced to two years and five months in prison.

Judge Smith said it was a disgusting piece of "ugly mob violence".

Since the five men had been arrested and remanded, anti-social behaviour in the area had fallen by more than 60%, the court heard.

Insp Chris Hartshorne said it was one of the "most disgusting and outrageous" attacks he had ever seen on an officer.

"Our communities have been deprived of an outstanding public servant," he added.