A driver who sped off after running over a police officer was caught out when he attempted to make a complaint about damage to his car, a court heard.

Leon Humes, aged 24, struck special constable Simon Law in Wednesbury Street, Wolverhampton. The officer was left with only minor injuries, but considered leaving the force following the incident.

At Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday, Humes, of Hawthorne Road, Wednesfield, admitted dangerous driving and was ordered to carry out 120 hours’ unpaid work, and banned from driving for a year.

Miss Alka Brigue, prosecuting, said Humes’ silver Citroen had been spotted at around 12.15am on October 11 last year. “The driver was spoken to and told he had driven the wrong way down a one-way street,” she said.

“He reversed into a car park, where he parked the vehicle, and the officer followed.” But as the officer approached the car, Humes drove forward and his vehicle struck his right thigh, the court was told.

“Prior to being hit, he shouted to the defendant to stop on two separate occasions,” added Miss Brigue.

The special constable drew his baton and struck the windscreen, causing it to smash, but the car then sped off down Stafford Street.

Miss Brigue said the officer had received only minor injuries, but the incident had shaken his confidence.

Humes was caught when he went to Bilston Street police station later the same day to make a complaint of criminal damage about his damaged windscreen.

Mr Jas Mann, for Humes, said of his client: “He would like to say sorry to the officer and will be preparing a written apology.”

Humes was also ordered to pay £920 costs.