Crawley Man Jailed After Brutal Assault On Police Officers And Road Rage Attacks

A Crawley man has been sentenced to nearly seven years in prison after violently attacking two police officers and committing multiple assaults on the roads near London Gatwick Airport.

Mohammed Rasool, 44, of Gossops Drive, had been wanted on a warrant for failing to appear in court on robbery charges.

When three officers attempted to arrest him at his home on 31 May 2024, Rasool violently resisted, gouging the eyes of a detective, pulling hair, biting, and striking officers with a mobile phone.

Both female officers suffered significant and permanent injuries.

One officer described the terrifying attack:

"When I felt fingers over my face like a spider trying to locate my eye socket, I feared the worst.

"No one should experience this level of violence while simply doing their job."

The arrest followed two separate road rage incidents near Gatwick.

On 3 May 2024, Rasool racially abused and assaulted a taxi driver before fleeing the scene.

Less than two months later, on 28 June, he blocked another driver, struck him through a car window, and stole his mobile phone.

Rasool pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, robbery, and racially aggravated common assault.

At Hove Crown Court on 19 March, he was sentenced to six years and ten months in prison.

Detective Chief Inspector Pauline Lane said:

"The levels of violence shown by Rasool were truly shocking.

"From unprovoked assaults on taxi drivers to a vicious attack on officers, this case highlights the risks police face every day.

"Rasool is a violent and dangerous individual, and I am pleased he is now serving a significant custodial sentence."

The case underscores the serious dangers law enforcement officers encounter while carrying out their duties, as well as the lasting impact such attacks have on victims.