The driver who severely injured a police officer by striking him with a stolen vehicle has been incarcerated.
James Clarke, 33, struck PC Anderson of the West Midlands Police, who was deploying a stinger in Weoley Castle, on 18 November while being pursued by officers in Birmingham. Wednesday at Birmingham Crown Court, Clarke, of Copston Road in Shenley Green, was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison.
The officer was struck by the stolen Ford Fiesta near the intersection of Long Nuke Road and Shenley Lane, according to the West Midlands Police. PC Anderson has not yet been able to return to work due to his injuries.
Det. Sgt. Hinton of the West Midlands Police stated, “Clarke has deservedly lost his freedom. Our traffic officer has sustained injuries that prevent him from returning to active duty and fulfilling his responsibility to keep the roads safe and protect the public.”
Clarke had previously admitted to causing injury by driving recklessly, failing to stop, driving without insurance, and driving without a valid licence. In addition to his jail time, he was also prohibited from driving for two years.
Wednesday, James Clarke, 33, of Copston Road in Shenley Green, Birmingham, was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison for inflicting serious bodily harm on a police officer.
Clarke was being pursued by police on November 18 when he struck PC Anderson of the West Midlands Police near the intersection of Long Nuke Road and Shenley Lane while driving a stolen Ford Fiesta. Due to his injuries, the officer was unable to return to his job.
Det. Sgt. Hinton of the West Midlands Police stated, “Clarke has deservedly lost his freedom. Our traffic officer has sustained injuries that prevent him from returning to active duty and fulfilling his responsibility to keep the roads safe and protect the public.”
Clarke pled guilty to causing injury by reckless driving, failing to stop, driving without insurance, and driving in violation of his licence. In addition to his prison term, he has a two-year driving ban.
The West Midlands Police have urged the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or vehicles they may observe on the roads.
