Fleeing Thatcham driver 'knocked down police officer'

'Deeply embarrassed and ashamed" man fined

A DRIVER knocked down a policeman with his car as he fled from the officer, Newbury magistrates heard.

Ross James Lawrence then sped off on the wrong side of the road in Park Lane, Thatcham, the court was told on Thursday, May 14.

Helen Waite, prosecuting, said: “It is very fortunate his manner of driving didn’t cause an accident.”

She said police approached the 19-year-old’s VW Golf, which was parked on the pavement in Park Lane, as they “had information the vehicle was linked with drugs matters”.

Mr Lawrence, of Flecker Close, Thatcham, was standing by the rear of the vehicle with the rear door open and was fumbling around in the footwell when the officers approached and identified themselves, the court heard.

Ms Waite added: “The defendant appeared nervous and fidgety, avoiding eye contact. The officers noticed the smell of cannabis. In the rear footwell, officers noticed a bag.

“As one of the officers crouched down by the open rear passenger door, he became aware the defendant had got into the driver’s seat.”

Suddenly there was mayhem.

Ms Waite said: “The engine revved, the tyres squealed and the car lurched forward.”

The officer was struck on the arm by the open car door, which caused him pain and sent him sprawling backwards, the court heard.

Ms Waite said: “Mr Lawrence drove off on the wrong side of the road.

“He didn’t stop at a red traffic light and continued on the wrong side of the road on to the A4 towards Newbury.”

The officer said in a statement: “I think he intentionally and wilfully obstructed the search by making off.

“I was surprised his manner of driving didn’t cause an accident.”

Mr Lawrence admitted driving without due care and attention and obstructing or resisting an officer, both on April 10 this year.

He also has previous convictions, the court heard.

A charge of assaulting an officer was withdrawn by the prosecution.

Alun Morgan, defending, said the package that aroused the officers’ suspicion was entirely innocent and added: “He works for a delivery company and the package contained a delivery item. There were no illegal substances.”

He said his client had panicked because he was on court bail for an offence involving cannabis and added: “He made the extremely foolish decision to drive off.

“He is deeply embarrassed and ashamed. Thankfully the officer didn’t receive any injuries.”

Mr Morgan said Mr Lawrence “plays football for a local side” and had secured a job with an IT firm.

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs plus a statutory surcharge of £20.