Yahoo News Banned driver admits running down PC in his own police car
A car thief has admitted causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer after running him over with his own car.
PC Gareth Phillips suffered potentially “life-threatening” injuries after being punched to the ground and hit by his car while on duty in Moseley, Birmingham.
Mubashar Hussain pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to PC Phillips with intent to resist arrest, as well as 11 other offences, during a video-link appearance at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday.
Hussain, 29, was remanded in custody until sentencing in October alongside a co-defendant, Ahsan Ghafoor, who admitted two counts of car theft.
Hussain entered his pleas three weeks after West Midlands Police said PC Phillips had undergone surgery for his injuries, which include a shattered pelvis, and could remain in hospital for several months.
PC Phillips, 42, was injured during a traffic stop in Moseley on August 10 after his BMW police car was taken.
He was then struck by his own vehicle and at one point was pinned underneath it.
Shortly after the incident, West Midlands Police said the BMW had been hijacked at around 4.45pm and was reversed into the officer, knocking him down, before being driven over him.
Hussain, of no fixed address, was arrested in the Sparkbrook area a short time later and was originally charged with attempted murder.
Ghafoor, 24, and also of no fixed address, further admitted dangerous driving, having no insurance and driving other than in accordance with a licence.
Hussain pleaded not guilty to a further count of assault with intent to resist arrest, which will not be proceeded with.
After Hussain admitted all but one of the charges against him, Mr Smith told the court: “In respect of the pleas entered by Mr Hussain, they are pleas acceptable to the prosecution.”
Medical evidence relating to other officers injured by Hussain will be presented at the sentencing hearing on October 15, Mr Smith added.
The Crown Prosecution Service said Hussain reversed the unmarked police vehicle at speed, knocking over and injuring a number of officers, before running over PC Phillips’ chest with its front and rear passenger side wheels.
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Hussain then drove at more than 80mph, the CPS said, before abandoning the police car in Balsall Heath.
Paul Farrow, of the CPS, said: “This was a sickening offence where Hussain’s only thought was to ensure his escape, whatever the cost.
“PC Phillips has undergone significant and complex surgical procedures. Other officers too were injured as all bravely attempted to prevent the escape.
“Our thoughts are with PC Phillips as he embarks upon a long road to what is hoped will be a full recovery, although this remains uncertain.”
Colleagues of PC Phillips have set up a fundraising page to support his family through the “difficult times that are to follow”.
The description on the fundraising page read: “On Saturday August 10 he attended an incident where it had been reported that a car had been stolen.
“During this incident Gareth was knocked down and driven over while trying to arrest one of the suspected thieves.”
PC Phillips remains in hospital in a stable condition, having been moved from the intensive treatment unit to a general ward, and is comfortable and in good spirits, his force said.
Medical evidence relating to other officers injured by Hussain would also be presented next month.
