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A man has been jailed for eight years after he launched a brutal attack on two female Met Police officers who were responding to a disturbance at his home in south east London. Mark Weatherley, 43, launched the unprovoked attack when officers attempted to arrest him at his address on Hatherley Road, Sidcup, on June 29. He punched one officer in the side of the head, knocking her unconscious, before turning on the second officer and striking her repeatedly in the head. After she collapsed, Weatherley kicked her in the face. He then returned to the first officer and continued his assault, while subjecting both women to verbal abuse. When later shown body-worn video footage of the incident, Weatherley showed no remorse, stating the officers had “deserved it” and that he would do it again. He pleaded guilty to two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday. He will serve an additional four years on licence following his release. Both officers sustained serious injuries and remain off duty as they continue their recovery. Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry said: “This was an utterly horrific unprovoked attack on two officers who had attended the address in response to reports of a disturbance. “As they attempted to arrest Weatherley he turned aggressive and violent, repeatedly punching and stamping on them. “I am immensely grateful to the officers who came to the aid of their colleagues, demonstrating the upmost bravery and professionalism in working together to not only provide immediate care and medical assistance but also swiftly arresting Weatherley. “If they had not intervened I have no doubt Weatherley would have continued his brutal attack. The level of hatred and violence directed towards the officers by Weatherley was deeply shocking and distressing. “This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks Met officers face every day just doing their jobs as they work to protect the public and keep London safe.” Police were called to reports of a disturbance at Weatherley’s address in Hatherley Road, Sidcup, at around midday on Monday, June 29. While officers were supporting the female victim, Weatherley, who had not been there, returned to the address. He immediately became threatening and abusive towards the officers. They initially attempted to speak with Weatherley and calm him down before calling for additional support and moving to arrest him. He resisted and then launched a violent attack on both officers. More officers soon entered the property to detain Weatherley, who remarked that he “would have done worse” if the officers had been men. Emergency services rushed to assist the injured officers, who were both taken to hospital. One sustained multiple facial fractures, including to her eye socket and cheekbone, while the other suffered a broken nose and facial lacerations. In custody, investigating officers had to interview Weatherley through his cell door due to his extreme violence. He was aggressive towards officers throughout, continuing to threaten and abuse them. He was charged and pleaded guilty on Tuesday, July 29. James Bowker, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South, said: “We worked collaboratively with police - reviewing video footage, medical evidence and witness statements to build a watertight case against Weatherley and bring charges that reflected the seriousness and extent of his offending. “Police officers do a brave and difficult job in protecting their local communities, and they should be able to do so safely and without fear. I hope today’s outcome demonstrates that the criminal justice system will always use the full weight of the law to protect emergency workers.”
