A man who laughed for his mugshot has been sentenced to two years in prison for a vicious attack on a police officer in Shropshire, which left the PC with a fractured eye socket.
Violent Assault on Duty
Jamie Henderson-Jones, aged 26, of Brookside in Wem, launched the attack on PC Jack Harper on 10 July 2024. The court heard how the officer was on a mobile patrol with PCSO Liz Walmsey in Wem when they noticed an Audi A3 on Station Road.
The vehicle had previously been seized from Henderson-Jones for having no insurance. Before the officers could conduct a stop, the Audi pulled into an estate. Henderson-Jones and another man got out and began walking towards a block of flats.
Officer Punched Through Glass
PC Harper followed Henderson-Jones inside the building and informed him he was under arrest, but was immediately pushed. Henderson-Jones then placed his hand over the officer's face and continued to shove him, with PC Harper's PAVA spray proving ineffective.
As PC Harper tried to retreat down the stairs to exit, Henderson-Jones pursued him. The assailant punched the officer forcefully in the back of the head and continued to strike him. The impact was so severe that PC Harper's left arm and upper body were sent crashing through a glass window.
Henderson-Jones then pushed PCSO Walmsey into a wall before being arrested a short time later by other responding officers.
Sentencing and Police Condemnation
PC Harper sustained a fractured left eye socket in the assault, though fortunately did not require surgery. In September, Henderson-Jones pleaded guilty to all charges against him, which included:
- Grievous bodily harm
- Assault by beating of an emergency worker
- Driving whilst disqualified
- Using a motor vehicle without third party insurance
- Criminal damage to property valued under £5,000
He was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Friday, 19 December 2025.
Superintendent Edward Hancox of West Mercia Police stated: “Every day our officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public, showing remarkable bravery as part of their duty. It is extremely disturbing that Henderson‑Jones chose to launch such a violent and cowardly attack on PC Jack Harper while he was simply doing his job.”
He added, “We remain clear that violence against police officers is completely unacceptable. No one should come to work to be faced with such violence. When an officer is assaulted, it is not only an attack on them but on the safety of the wider community. We will always seek justice for victims and ensure those responsible are held fully to account.”
