Policeman's pelvis shattered after being mown down by thief who stole his patrol car

9 September 2019, 18:30

A car thief has admitted causing "life-changing" injuries to a policeman who he ran over with the officer's own patrol car.

PC Gareth Phillips, 42, suffered a shattered pelvis and has undergone surgery after being trapped under his BMW on 10 August.

He could remain in hospital for several months as he recovers from his injuries.

Mubashar Hussain, 29, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to PC Phillips during a video-link appearance at Birmingham Crown Court earlier today.

He has also admitted 11 other offences, and has been remanded in custody alongside a co-defendant, Ahsan Ghafoor, who admitted two counts of car theft.

West Midlands Police said PC Phillips was responding to reports of a stolen car during a traffic stop in the Moseley area of Birmingham.

Hussain was tasered at the scene, but managed to break free and jumped into PC Phillips' unmarked police car.

The Crown Prosecution Service said Hussain reversed the vehicle, injuring a number of officers, before running over PC Phillips' chest with its front and rear passenger side wheels.

Hussain then drove at more than 80mph before abandoning the police car in Balsall Heath, the CPS said.

He was arrested in the Sparkbrook area a short time later and was originally charged with attempted murder.

The banned driver admitted causing grievous bodily harm, two counts of vehicle theft, dangerous driving, two counts of driving while disqualified, two counts of assault, assaulting an emergency worker, aggravated vehicle-taking, and two charges of having no insurance.

Hussain, of no fixed address, pleaded not guilty to a further count of assault with intent to resist arrest, which will not be proceeded with.

Ghafoor, 24, and also of no fixed address, further admitted dangerous driving, having no insurance and driving other than in accordance with a licence.

Both men will be sentenced on 15 October.

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."