A man has admitted severely injuring a police officer by hitting him with a car while driving recklessly in Dumfries.
Inspector Jonathan Edgar, of Police Scotland, was thrown across the road after he was struck by the vehicle driven by Martin McGroary on July 28 last year.
The police officer was left with a dislocated shoulder and head and facial injuries and has been unable to return to work.
McGroary, 27, admitted driving in a “culpable and reckless manner” and at “excessive speed” and driving knowing that Mr Edgar was on the road before the collision on Herries Avenue when he appeared at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday.
He also pleaded guilty to failing to stop and give his details after the collision and to driving without insurance.
The court heard that police were called to the street shortly after midnight on July 28 by a resident who was concerned about the presence of McGroary, whose brother had recently died in a road crash.
Solicitor Advocate David Dickson KC, prosecuting, told the court that once police arrived, McGroary drove past Mr Edgar, one of the officers present, and “was heard to say something like what the f*** is this all about”.
He then continued driving towards the house before turning the car.
Mr Dickson said officers then became “concerned” that the accused was going to get out of the car as it was the third time he had driven up and down the street.
The prosecutor said: “The accused closed the driver door and was then seen accelerating, driving towards both police vehicles and where Inspector Edgar stood beside the vehicle.
“In an effort to avoid being struck, he began to run across the road towards the pavement.”
Mr Dickson told the court that, despite his efforts, the policeman was struck by the car and was thrown about 10-15ft across the road.
He was taken to hospital where he was treated for a dislocated shoulder and head and facial injuries and was discharged about 48 hours later.
The court heard that he has been unable to return to work.
Lord Cubie asked why McGroary had been in Herries Avenue at that time.
John Scullion KC, defending, said that, following the death of McGroary’s brother, there had been a dispute with family members living in the area about where he should be buried.
Mr Scullion said: “He was upset by the death of his brother and by the arguments with the family about where his brother should be buried.
“That is why he was in the street and, due to the presence of police officers, he thought he was going to be arrested and drove off as described.”
The court heard that McGroary has previous convictions, including one for culpable and reckless conduct, and Lord Cubie told him that a custodial sentence is “inevitable”.
Lord Cubie deferred sentence until May 28 pending reports.
McGroary remains remanded in custody.
Police welcomed the outcome of the hearing on Wednesday.
Detective Inspector Scott Wilson said: “This was a terrifying incident for the officer involved, who was left with serious injuries as a result of McGroary’s actions
“Following extensive inquiries and hard work by a dedicated team of officers to trace McGroary, he was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.
“I hope this conviction brings some comfort to the officer and his colleagues and sends a message that this type of violent behaviour against police officers and staff will not be tolerated.”
Chief Inspector Emma Dodds said: “I want to express my thanks and gratitude to those involved for their bravery and professionalism when faced with such danger.
“Every officer has the fundamental right to come home from each shift unharmed.
“This type of incident shows the unpredictable and dangerous situations police officers can face, while doing their utmost to keep people safe.”
