Man jailed for 16 years after cop attacked with ammonia spray

A man who sprayed ammonia into the face of a police officer before threatening him with a gun has been jailed for 16 years.

James Boyle, 22, of Pulross Road in Brixton, was arrested in June last year when police were called to reports of people acting suspiciously around parked vehicles in Commonside East, Mitcham.

Met PC Samuel Goard approached Boyle and attempted to speak to him – asking him to take his hands out of his pockets.

Boyle then pulled out a bottle and sprayed the officer in the face with ammonia, before moving towards him.

PC Goard was joined by his colleague, PC George Garner, and the pair chased Boyle on foot. As they did so, Boyle pulled out a handgun from his waistband and pointed it towards the officers – without firing it – before escaping on foot.

An investigation was launched and detectives spent hours collating and trawling through CCTV, leading them to identifying Boyle as their suspect.

He was found and arrested by officers on June 24, 2022. On arrest, a knife and an axe were found in his rucksack, along with a drinks bottle containing ammonia.

During a search of his home, a grey tracksuit top was found which was identical to the one worn by Boyle in the officers’ body worn video footage.

The investigation also uncovered that the firearm Boyle used to threaten officers had been fired prior to police arrival, and live rounds of ammunition were recovered.

The ammunition and the bottle containing the liquid both provided forensic matches to Boyle.

PC Goard said in his victim impact statement: “At the time of the incident I was in complete fear for my life.

“I did not know what (Boyle) had sprayed at me. Thoughts of acid, ammonia or any liquid that could have caused me irreversible injuries to my eye, sight, or permanent disfigurement to my face overcame me.

“My thoughts turned to my son at home, was he going to grow up only knowing me as having a disfigured face. Will he recognise me when I go home?”

Boyle was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court today having pleaded guilty to a slew of offences including administering a poison or noxious substance with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, from the Met’s Specialist Crime department, said: “Boyle is an extremely dangerous offender and we are pleased that the overwhelming evidence gathered during our investigation left him with no choice but to plead guilty.

“We have no doubt that he would have caused further harm was he not identified and arrested so quickly.”

Pictured top: James Boyle and the axe he was in possession of when arrested (Picture: The Met)