Mohammed Rasool, a 44‑year‑old man from Crawley, has been sentenced to six years and 10 months in prison after admitting to a series of violent offences, including grievous bodily harm, robbery, and racially aggravated assault. The sentencing followed a shocking attack on three police officers who attempted to arrest him in May 2025 after he failed to appear in court on robbery charges.
During the arrest, Rasool became violently aggressive, gouging the eyes of two female officers, pulling their hair, biting them, and striking them with a mobile phone. Both officers sustained permanent injuries. One described the assault as the worst experience of her 28‑year career, recalling the terror of feeling his fingers press against her face as he tried to locate her eye socket.
The incident came after a string of road rage attacks near Gatwick Airport in 2024. In one case, Rasool racially abused and struck a taxi driver. Weeks later, he assaulted another motorist, striking him through a car window and stealing his phone before fleeing. His failure to appear in court for those offences led to the warrant that triggered the violent arrest attempt.
Public reaction has been one of outrage and sympathy for the injured officers. Many expressed shock at the brutality of the assault, with calls for stronger protections for frontline police. Community members in Crawley said the case highlighted the dangers officers face daily, while others pointed to the need for harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
Police officials condemned the attack, praising the courage of the officers involved and stressing that no one should face such violence while performing their duties. The testimony of the injured officer, who feared losing her sight, has resonated widely, underscoring the human toll of the assault.
Rasool’s sentencing on March 19, 2025, closes a case that has drawn national attention. For the victims, the injuries remain a lasting reminder of the risks inherent in policing. For the wider public, the case has reignited debate over how the justice system handles violent offenders and the measures needed to safeguard those tasked with enforcing the law.
