Dangerous driver runs over cop in Bo'ness

Ben Jones (29), 37 Calder Place, Hallglen, failed to stop when he was told to by police and left one officer nursing grazes to his hands and knees as he ploughed through him to get away.

Jones then sped through residential areas at excessive speeds with police in pursuit.

Appearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday, Jones admitted the dangerous driving and failing to stop for police offences he committed in Provost Road, Deanburn Walk, Borrowstoun Road, Crawfield Road and the A706 road to Linlithgow on September 14.

The incident began when police walked over to Jones’ car and stood in front of it to stop him driving away.

Sean Maher, procurator fiscal depute, said: “A police officer placed herself in front of the vehicle and told the accused to switch off his engine. She shouted to him a number of times to stop.

“A colleague came over and placed his hands on the bonnet of the car to prevent the accused from leaving. The accused began revving the engine despite there being two police officers to the front of the vehicle.

“He continued to rev the engine and officers jumped out of the way to avoid injury. The second officer did not move fast enough and was struck by the vehicle, falling to the ground, suffering gazing to his hands and knees.

“The vehicle sped off into a busy residential area. It continued to drive at excessive speed as police officers attempted to pursue the accused in their vehicles. He continued to fail to stop, doing 70mph on roads with a 30mph limit.

“He was seen driving into the path of oncoming vehicles, causing them to take evasive action near Linlithgow Golf Course. He was forced to slow down due to traffic and police officers approached his vehicle on foot.

“However, he forced his way through traffic and accelerated away. This conduct was reckless as he narrowly missed a cyclist.”

Police eventually managed to stop Jones’ vehicle and he was instructed to remove the keys and leave them on the dashboard.

The court heard Jones was a first offender who had made a “catastrophic mistake”.

Defence solicitor Stephen Biggam said: “Madness and panic got the better of him. Thankfully everyone was extremely lucky on that day and that was through nothing other than good fortune.”

Sheriff Derek Hamilton said: “This sort of driving, you see it on television on those police programmes. Those police car chases are horrific when you see how they put many lives at risk – pedestrians, cyclists and police officers.

“We cannot have this sort of behaviour. I take into account you are a first offender – it’s only that fact which saved you from going to custody today.”

Jones was placed on a restriction of liberty order to stay in his home between 6pm and 6am for four months and he was disqualified from driving for 16 months.