Jamie Williams. Pic: Met Police
Following an earlier trial at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 26 July. Jamie Williams, 23 of Mitcham Road, Croydon, had been found guilty of ABH assault, criminal damage and dangerous driving.
On Wednesday, 4 September at the same court, Williams was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for his offences, which were wholly suspended.
The incident took place around 10.55pm on August 17, 2018, at Hawthorn Avenue in Thorton Heath.
Officers stopped the 23-year-old who was behind the wheel of a dark grey Mercedes car.
Croydon Crown Court heard how Police had seen him driving “at speed” out of a tight junction without slowing and without due care. Officers made the decision to stop Williams to discuss the manner of his driving.
The Mitcham Road resident left his car, but during questioning, he got back into the car to drive off.
One of the officers involved in pulling Williams over tried to prevent him from making off and reached into the car through an open window. However, Williams continued to drive off with the officer hanging half out the window of the car.
After about 100 meters Williams reversed his car and struck one of the police cars involved in the incident, damaging it.
despite the attempts of other officers to stop him, the driver then began to drive off again at speed.
The officer, who was then aged 26 years old, remained suspended in the car window.
After about another 100 meters the officer being dragged decided he had to eject himself from the vehicle while it was moving at speed.
The officer was later taken to hospital and treated for a fractured left wrist and a number of severe grazes.
The officer has now returned to full duties but claims he is still suffering from the effects of the wrist injury.
The driver was sought by police but he handed himself in three days later at Croydon Police Station, where he was arrested and charged.
Williams is expected to abide by a curfew between the hours of 9pm-6am for six months and is to complete 150 hours of community service within the next 12 months.
A compensation order has also been made for £3,500 to be paid to the officer in the next 12 months.
Williams has been disqualified from driving for two years. He must also take an extended driving exam before he can drive again.
