Three Men Jailed For 24 Years After Attack On Two Retired Police Officers In Stoke

Three men have been jailed for a total of 24 years for a violent attack on two retired senior police officers in Stoke.

The victims had confronted John Martin near the Salvation Army hostel in Vale Street on the evening of 28 August 2025, after CCTV showed him trying to steal one of their bikes outside The Liquor Vaults.

While they waited for police, James Hopper, Adam Wright and two other men arrived and surrounded them.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard Hopper punched one of the men, knocking him unconscious in the road, and Wright kicked him in the head. Both men were kicked and stamped on.

One was left with two fractures to his cheekbone and needed metal plates in his face. The other suffered two bleeds on the brain. His phone, bike, bank cards and AirPods were taken.

All three were convicted of two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent after a trial.

Hopper, 35, of Cliveden Road, Bucknall, received an 11-year extended sentence, made up of 10 years in custody and one year on extended licence.

Wright, 37, of Fletcher Road, Boothen, received a nine-year extended sentence, made up of eight years in custody and one year on extended licence. He was also convicted of handling stolen goods.

Martin, 32, of no fixed address, was jailed for six years. He admitted attempting to steal the bike.

One of the victims told the court the attack had had "a lasting and significant impact" on his physical health, emotional wellbeing and confidence.