Car thief admits running over police officer in Birmingham
A car thief has admitted causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer who suffered “life-changing” injuries, including a shattered pelvis, when he was run over by his own car while on duty.
Mubashar Hussain pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to Pc Gareth Phillips with intent to resist arrest, as well as 11 other offences, during a brief video-link appearance at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday.
Hussain, 29, was remanded in custody until sentencing in October alongside a co-defendant, Ahsan Ghafoor, who admitted two counts of car theft.
The facts of the case against both men were not opened by prosecutor Andrew Smith QC, who said that updated medical evidence in respect of Pc Phillips' injuries would be presented at the next court hearing.
Hussain entered his pleas three weeks after West Midlands Police said Pc Phillips had undergone surgery for his injuries and could remain in hospital for several months
The 42-year-old was injured during a traffic stop in the Moseley area of Birmingham on August 10 after his BMW police car was taken.
Pc Phillips was then strucky by his own vehicle and at one point was pinned underneath it.
Shortly after the incident, West Midlands Police said the BMW had been hijacked in Moorcroft Road, Moseley, at around 4.45pm and was reversed into the officer, knocking him down, before being driven over him.
Hussain, of no fixed address, was arrested in the Sparkbrook area a short time later and was originally charged with attempted murder.
The banned driver admitted causing grievous bodily harm, two counts of vehicle theft, dangerous driving, two counts of driving while disqualified, two counts of assault, assaulting an emergency worker, aggravated vehicle-taking, and two charges of having no insurance.
The charge of aggravated vehicle-taking relates to the police BMW being driven dangerously in Moorcroft Road.
The car thefts relate to a Range Rover Sport taken on August 10 and another 4x4 stolen in Birmingham the previous day.
Ghafoor, 24, and also of no fixed address, further admitted dangerous driving, having no insurance and driving other than in accordance with a licence.
Hussain pleaded not guilty to a further count of assault with intent to resist arrest, which will not be proceeded with.
After Hussain admitted all but one of the charges against him, Mr Smith told the court: "In respect of the pleas entered by Mr Hussain, they are pleas acceptable to the prosecution."
Medical evidence relating to other officers injured by Hussain will be presented at the sentencing hearing on October 15, Mr Smith added.
The Crown Prosecution Service said Hussain reversed the unmarked police vehicle at speed, knocking over and injuring a number of officers, before running over Pc Phillips' chest with its front and rear passenger side wheels.
Hussain then drove at more than 80mph, the CPS said, before abandoning the police car in Ladypool Road, Balsall Heath.
Paul Farrow, of the CPS, said: "This was a sickening offence where Hussain's only thought was to ensure his escape, whatever the cost.
"Pc Phillips has undergone significant and complex surgical procedures. Other officers too were injured as all bravely attempted to prevent the escape.
"Our thoughts are with Pc Phillips as he embarks upon a long road to what is hoped will be a full recovery, although this remains uncertain."
Pc Phillips remains in hospital in a stable condition, having been moved from the intensive treatment unit to a general ward, and is comfortable and in good spirits, his force said.
