Crash driver jailed for punching woman police officer
A BANNED driver with no insurance drove “erratically” and then hit a police officer in the face as she tried to arrest him.
The officer was on patrol when she spotted the Vauxhall Astra being driven at speed and the driver losing control, spinning the vehicle almost 360 degrees and crashing into another car.
The driver tried to run from the scene, before the officer was hit in her face and pushed in her chest.
She handcuffed the man to the steering wheel, before other officers arrived on the scene to detain him.
Andrew Robbins, 44, of South Street in Alfreton, pleaded guilty to careless driving, assaulting an emergency worker, driving whilst disqualified, two counts of failing to co-operate with a preliminary test and driving without insurance.
He was jailed for 14 months at Nottingham Crown Court.
The charges relate to an incident on August 16 at around 5pm in Ashgate Road in Hucknall.
Officers also found a “quantity of cash” and cannabis when they searched Robbins.
Police Constable Rebecca Pottage, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “After Robbins was arrested, it was established that he wasn’t the registered keeper of the car - nor was he insured to drive it.
“He was also disqualified from driving. Officers tried provide a roadside drugs and breath test, but he refused to cooperate. The officers suffered minor bruising and scratches, a lot of discomfort and pain, but thankfully nothing life-altering. Her welfare was supported by colleagues.
“Assaults on police officers are completely unacceptable. Officers have a duty to protect the public and anyone who hurts an officer whilst they are trying to keep people safe deserves to be put before the courts.”