Police officer screamed in agony when crushed by high-speed chase driver
- Published
Charlie Deans was warned he faced a substantial prison sentence
A police officer screamed in agony as he was crushed between two cars after a high-speed chase, a court has heard.
Police deployed a stinger device to puncture the tyres of Charlie Deans' car after he drove at speeds of up to 90mph in Aberdeenshire in 2019.
As Sgt Graeme Smith went to arrest Deans, the 25-year-old driver reversed into him, crushing the officer against his police Land Rover.
Sgt Smith suffered multiple pelvic fractures.
At the High Court in Aberdeen, Deans was warned he now faced a substantial custodial sentence.
On Wednesday, he admitted driving dangerously and striking the officer to the danger of his life but the case was continued to Thursday for a narration of the events.
Advocate depute Gavin Dewar, prosecuting, said police officers in Aberdeen had spotted a Ford Fiesta with faulty lights in the early hours of 22 September 2019 on Donbank Terrace, with the accused sitting in the driver's seat staring at them.
Deans went on to Great Northern Road and officers began to follow but he then drove off at speed so the officers activated their blue lights and siren and gave chase.
The Fiesta then travelled at between 60mph and 80mph in 30mph zones and went through red lights.
The chase continued on to the B997, with Deans driving at between 70mph and 90mph, eventually reaching Newmachar, where his car turned and was lost sight of.
Tyres shredding
Several police units were deployed to find the Fiesta.
An inspector and Sgt Smith were on patrol in a Land Rover and the Fiesta passed in the opposite direction so they gave chase.
Authority was given by the strategic commander for the use of a stinger device to puncture the tyres.
Another officer deployed the stinger near Hatton of Fintray and the Fiesta passed over it, with the tyres seen to have begun shredding as it continued towards the village of Blackburn.
The stinger was retrieved and the officer joined the pursuit.
The chase in 2019 ended in Blackburn
The Fiesta began slow significantly to about 30mph, and the officer overtook and began to decelerate.
Meanwhile the Land Rover remained behind to contain it and try to bring the chase to a safe conclusion.
The prosecution lawyer told the court: "Sgt Smith exited and approached the driver's door to effect an arrest.
"Before Sgt Smith reached the door, the accused reversed, striking Sgt Smith with the front offside wing and wing mirror, forcing him backwards and crushing him against the Land Rover.
"Graeme Smith began screaming in agony."
'Continues to suffer pain'
Deans started to drive off again and the officer fell to the ground.
However the Fiesta by now had no working tyres and came to halt, and Deans was arrested.
Mr Dewar said x-rays showed the officer suffered multiple pelvic fractures.
"He continues to suffer from chronic pain," the lawyer told the court. "He has required adjustments to his home."
Defence counsel Bill Adam said the plea had been tendered on the basis Deans had no intention to strike the officer, and asked that bail be continued ahead of sentencing next month.
However Judge Buchanan said because of the very high level of culpability and high degree of harm caused to Sgt Smith, the case was right up at the top bracket of offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He told Deans: "This is an extremely serious matter and it's inevitable that a significant sentence of imprisonment will be imposed."
A background report will be prepared, and Deans was remanded in custody.
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