Man who threw a petrol bomb at police officer in Boston found guilty
The 36-year-old also aimed an imitation firearm at officers
A man who threw a petrol bomb at a police officer before aiming an imitation firearm in their direction has been found guilty of attempting to cause an explosion with intent to endanger life or seriously damage property.
It happened in Boston in the early hours of New Year's Day, officers were called out to reports a man was using a hammer to smash windows of Aldi on Queen Street in the town.
When they arrived they noticed a man had what was believed to be a firearm in a holster on his right hip. He shouted to the officers for them to get back inside their vehicle.
The man was holding a bottle with an unknown liquid and rag in the top (a petrol bomb) which he lit and threw in the direction of one of the offers. Its flammable liquid spilt across the road just short of the car.
The bottle did not smash, which avoided a larger explosion.
The man then pulled out the firearm and made a motion of pulling back the slider (as if to cock the gun), aiming it directly and walking towards the officers. Although the firearm was later found to be an imitation, the officer had no means of knowing this at the time.
The officer reversed his vehicle, and the man made off in the direction of Friars Gate.
A search was conducted, where a hammer and discarded petrol bomb were sized for forensic examination.
On 10 January, Police arrested a 36-year-old man at his home address in Boston.
There was apparently no motive - he offered that he was bored of life, feeling depressed. He felt like making, what he described as, a ‘Molotov cocktail’ (a petrol bomb). He decided to smash Aldi window for no reason, he stated that he had no intention of entering the premises.
When questioned about his motives for throwing the petrol bomb and pointing what was later found to be an imitation firearm, he said that he wanted to make the officers scared, to think they were going to die. He didn't appear to have any regard as to the consequences of throwing a petrol bomb or indeed, as to the impact his actions would have on those dealing with or witnessing his actions.
During interview, he admitted to offences of criminal damage and possession of an imitation firearm. However, whilst admitting to making, lighting, and throwing a petrol bomb ‘towards’ officers in interview, the question which has taken this case to trial was whether he intended to cause an explosion which was likely to endanger life or damage property. Following a three-day trial, the jury found him unanimously guilty of attempting to cause an explosion with intent to endanger life or seriously damage property – Section 3 Explosives Substances Act 1883.
David Wiatrowski had already pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, affray and criminal damage.
Detective Inspector Melissa Rooke said:
"This was a calculated and entirely senseless act, carried out with blatant disregard for the impact it would have.
"It’s no surprise that those who responded to this incident were profoundly affected by what they encountered. Our officers faced an individual whose clear objective was to instil fear and potentially inflict serious harm. They responded with enormous bravery – continuing to fulfil their duties before their armed response colleagues arrived and they were directed to leave the scene.
"The actions of these officers stand as a powerful reminder of the vital role our officers play in safeguarding the public and preserving order, even under the most challenging of circumstances."
Wiatrowski of Bradford Road, Boston, is due to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 2nd October for sentencing.
He is also subject to a deportation order upon completion of his custodial sentence.