Police officer admits part of him 'did not survive' horror attack as father and son jailed
Father and son jailed for 17 years after ‘despicable’ attack on Police Scotland officer
A Police Scotland officer who suffered a fractured skull and other extensive injuries after being dragged along a road by a speeding vehicle has said that part of him “did not survive” the horror attack.
PC Mark Smith was left fighting for his life in hospital after being partially pulled into the car by father and son, Douglas Mills, and Douglas Mills Jr, who he had gone to speak to.
While attempting to engage with the pair, the car drove off at speed, pulling PC Smith along the road before leaving him lying seriously injured on the ground.
The 35 year-old was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where he received treatment for extensive injuries including a fractured skull and a significant traumatic brain injury. Over two years on, he is still waiting on reconstructive surgery to his ankle.
Mills, 58, and Mills Jr, 32, were each jailed for 17 years after being found guilty of the attempted murder of the officer.
Jurors at their trial at the High Court in Glasgow were shown graphic footage of the officer tumbling down the road and being left badly hurt following the incident in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, in August 2024.
Speaking about the impact the attack has had on him, PC Smith said that although he was “simply doing my job that day,” what happened to him is not something he could ever have prepared for, adding that it will never leave him.
“I was more than fortunate to survive, but part of me did not survive that day. Part of me was lost and two years later, I have started to accept that I will never be the same again,” he explained.
“My job was a huge part of my identity. I’m unsure of what the future holds for me, and I fear that I will never be able to return to frontline policing.
“I hope that in some way what happened to me can help prevent something like this happening to another officer or anyone else.”
Assistant Chief Constable Wendy Middleton, chair of Police Scotland’s Your Safety Matters oversight group, described the attack on PC Smith as “despicable,” adding: “Not only has this had an effect on Mark and his family, but it has also had an impact on his close colleagues on the shift and the wider organisation.
“The safety and well-being of our people is a priority for Police Scotland, and we have seen significant investment in operational safety training, the introduction of body worn video and officers equipped with Tasers, in a bid to reduce the risk of violence towards police.
“We do however continue to keep all assaults against officers and staff under close review to ensure we are doing everything possible to support and better protect our people.”
The force’s Detective Inspector Scott Robertson described Mills and Mills Jr as “two very dangerous and callous individuals,” adding: “
“Let us be clear that violence towards police officers is a serious criminal offence and anyone who behaves in this way should be in no doubt that we will rigorously pursue them and ensure they are brought to justice.
“Our thoughts remain with Constable Mark Smith at this time, and we will continue to offer all the necessary support.”