Man convicted of serious attack on two police officers in Wishaw

Police Scotland has welcomed the conviction of a 26-year-old man at the High Court in Glasgow today, Thursday, 8 April, for a serious assault on two police officers.

The incident happened around 10pm on Sunday, 14 June, 2020 when the response officers, who were helping a boy at the time, were approached by David Dowson in the Greenfield Drive area of Wishaw.

One of the constables suffered a serious injury to his hand and the other suffered a serious head injury. Both men were taken to the University Hospital Wishaw.

Chief Superintendent Alan Waddell, Lanarkshire Divisional Commander, said: “We welcome the conviction today of David Dowson at the High Court in Glasgow, and I would like to commend the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved.

“This was a vicious and unprovoked attack. Not only were these two officers doing their job, they were actually helping a 10-year-old boy at the time. Any violence towards our officers is outrageous and disgraceful and will not be tolerated.

“Over a number of years there has been an increasing number of reports of assaults on officer and staff. This can cause physical and psychological harm to those who are dedicated public servants and coming under attack should not be part of the job.

“The Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has made it clear that violence against officers and staff is utterly unacceptable and should never be seen as simply part of the job. He has promised to provide appropriate support to all colleagues where it does occur.”