Peddler faces jail over botched escape bid
A DJ has admitted crushing a police officer with his car during a botched drug deal.
Paul MacMillan is facing jail after reversing into a policeman and pinning him between two cars in a bid to escape.
A court heard the 39-year-old was stopped by officers in an unmarked police car on June 21.
Prosecutor Michael McIntosh said officers wanted to speak to MacMillan about his driving but noticed a strong smell of cannabis when they approached the car.
They moved to search the vehicle in East Kilbride but MacMillan pulled the car away at speed.
McIntosh said: “The accused put the vehicle into reverse and drove back sharply at an angle, striking one of the police officers, causing him to be pinned him between two vehicles.
“One of the officers withdrew his baton and struck at the window of the car.”
The trapped officer also yelled at MacMillan to stop. The driver failed to build up enough speed to get away and the officers called for back-up.
The incident in the town’s Ness Drive sparked a major police response as dozens of officers, ambulance personnel and a police helicopter rushed to the scene.
The prosecutor said the officer’s crush injuries were “certainly significant”. He added: “He was conveyed to University Hospital Hairmyres and was treated for significant swelling and bleeding to his left thigh and a graze on his right forehead. The officer was kept in hospital overnight. He has made a full recovery.”
MacMillan’s home in Larkhall, Lanarkshire, was searched the following day and a small cannabis cultivation was found, along with £1940 in cash.
A male passenger in the car confirmed the driver had sold him cannabis.
MacMillan admitted dangerous driving, obstructing officers and being concerned in the supply of cannabis when he appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
During a police interview, the DJ admitted being the driver but claimed that he hadn’t seen the officer or didn’t know that they were police officers.
Stephen McQuillan, defending, said: “He now accepts that he was aware the people involved were police officers.”
MacMillan was bailed until sentencing next month.
Sheriff Vincent Smith warned him: “Foremost in my mind is a term of imprisonment.”