Face of Jailed Oxfordshire Thug Who Spat on Police Officer 2026

Key Points

• Thames Valley Police released the mugshot of Daniel Bentley, 30, of Maud Close, Bicester, following his sentencing at Oxford Crown Court.
• Bentley received a 29-week prison sentence after pleading guilty to assault by beating, assault on a police constable, and harassment.
• During his arrest, Bentley verbally abused an officer, pushed his ex-partner, threw himself down a flight of stairs, commanded his dogs to attack officers, and spat on a constable’s leg.
• In June, Bentley breached his bail conditions by turning up at the home of his ex-partner, Ms French, and harassing her.
• Presiding Judge Lamb called Bentley’s actions “disgusting behaviour” and “quite extraordinary”, while noting his expression of remorse in court.

Bicester (Oxford Daily) October 9, 2026 – The official mugshot of an Oxfordshire man jailed for a series of violent offenses, including spitting at a police officer and harassing his former partner, has been released by law enforcement authorities following his court conviction.

As reported by Matthew J C Evans of This is Oxfordshire, Thames Valley Police published the official image of 30-year-old Daniel Bentley, residing at Maud Close, Bicester, who was sentenced to 29 weeks in prison at Oxford Crown Court after pleading guilty to assault by beating, assault on an emergency worker, and harassment.

What Led to the Violent Altercation and Arrest in Bicester?

As reported by Matthew J C Evans of This is Oxfordshire, the court heard that the incident began when police officers were dispatched to an address following reports of a domestic disturbance involving Bentley and his ex-partner, Ms French.

According to court proceedings detailed by This is Oxfordshire, Bentley engaged in “verbal abuse” and pushed Ms French. He subsequently harmed himself by throwing himself down the stairs prior to the arrival of law enforcement officers.

Upon the arrival of Thames Valley Police officers, Bentley actively resisted arrest. As reported by This is Oxfordshire, Bentley shouted for his domestic dogs to attack the attending police staff. During the chaotic struggle, Bentley spat at a police constable, with saliva landing directly on the officer’s leg.

How Did the Harassment Offence Occur While on Bail?

As reported by Matthew J C Evans of This is Oxfordshire, court evidence revealed that following his initial arrest and release on conditional bail, Bentley committed further offences.

On June 7, Bentley breached his bail conditions by showing up uninvited at the residential home of Ms French. The court noted that Ms French was particularly “vulnerable” during the incident, which occurred in the presence of their young children aged between two and four years.

What Was Said During the Sentencing at Oxford Crown Court?

As reported by Matthew J C Evans of This is Oxfordshire, defense counsel submitted that Bentley was struggling with severe substance dependencies at the time of the offenses, stating he was “addicted to alcohol and drugs” during an “incredibly turbulent” period of his life. Defense representatives added that Bentley “is disgusted with himself for his behaviour” and was working to become a better role model for his children.

During the court proceedings, Bentley wept and was observed holding a cross up to his face.

However, as reported by This is Oxfordshire, Judge Lamb strongly condemned Bentley’s conduct toward the police and his former partner. Judge Lamb described the assault on the police constable as “disgusting behaviour towards the police officer” and referred to Bentley’s overall conduct as “quite extraordinary behaviour”.

Judge Lamb rejected defense requests for a fully suspended sentence, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victim and the severity of spitting on emergency workers.

Background of Public Order and Emergency Worker Assault Legislation

Assaults against emergency workers in the United Kingdom have faced increased legislative scrutiny and judicial tariff increases in recent years. Under the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018, statutory aggravating factors apply to offenses committed against emergency personnel—including police officers, medical staff, and firefighters—while executing their duties.

Spitting on emergency service workers has been highlighted by police federations across the UK as a particularly hazardous form of assault due to biological health risks and public health concerns.

Key campaigns, such as the Police Federation of England and Wales’ “Protect the Protectors” initiative, have consistently advocated for stringent custodial sentencing for physical acts and bodily fluid assaults directed at officers in the line of duty.

Prediction: How Will This Development Impact Emergency Responders and the Local Community?

This custodial outcome and public mugshot release by Thames Valley Police serves as an explicit judicial precedent for residents of Oxfordshire and the wider Thames Valley region.

For emergency service workers and police personnel operating within Oxfordshire, the immediate custodial sentence of 29 weeks reinforces legal protections against physical aggression and assault by bio-fluids. The ruling signals to emergency personnel that judicial bodies are upholding statutory aggravating factors when emergency staff are targeted on duty.

For local communities in Bicester and victims of domestic harassment, the enforcement of strict bail terms and immediate prison sentences demonstrates that breaches of protection orders and domestic abuse carry mandatory custodial consequences, helping to deter future bail breaches and public order incidents.