The police sergeant whose career was cut short by the injuries he suffered in a beer-fuelled mob attack has spoken of the impact it has had on him.
The officer has been left with muscle loss, as well as continuing pain and discomfort after he was seriously injured when a gang launched cans, bottles, and rocks of concrete at him during a violent disturbance.
In a powerful victim impact statement the officer told a judge how his life had been destroyed by the violent thugs.
Cleveland Police were called to an incident on the Hemlington estate in Middlesbrough in November last year and were met with a barrage of abuse before it descended into violence when they attempted to arrest one of the gang.
Craig Bradley was described as the ringleader as he encouraged his friends to attack the officers to prevent him from being arrested after he became abusive.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, the officer said: “My grip strength has been significantly affected in that I struggle to hold things, and I am unable to close my hand since surgery. I have been informed that this can take up to two years to heal and that it may never heal fully.
“The nerve in my hand is not fully repaired, as the area is still numb and I get persistent pain in my forefinger, thumb and wrist.”
He said: “I can’t bear to hear police sirens and have difficulty being around anything to do with policing as a direct result of the attack.
“As a result of this assault I have been referred to the senior medical practitioner for medical retirement. In short, the actions of these people have destroyed my life, my career, and I’m left with life-changing and debilitating injuries as a direct result of their deliberate actions.”
Bradley, of Fonteyn Court, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to resist arrest and violent disorder. The 36-year-old was sentenced to two years and ten months.
Owen, 26, from Alwinton Court, Ormesby, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and violent disorder. He was jailed for six years and one month.
Rivers, of no fixed address but formerly of Alstread Court, Hemlington, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. The 33-year-old was sentenced to two years and five months.
Lane, 20, of Eddison Way, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and breach of a criminal behaviour order. He was sentenced to two years and ten months.
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A warrant was issued for the arrest of their co-defendant Josh Blackston.
The 23-year-old, of Fonteyn Court, Middlesbrough, was jailed for six years and one month in his absence after pleading guilty to wounding with intent and violent disorder.
Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Superintendent Marc Anderson said: “Assaults on our officers will never be tolerated. Sergeant Bolsover is a valued member of the Cleveland Police family, who is left with life-changing injuries meaning he can no longer work.
“The actions of those involved were horrendous, and the suffering they have caused to those injured officers, and their families, is inexcusable.”
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