Brothers who dragged policewoman along road after stealing car spared jail term

Donovan Icke had never driven a vehicle before and 'panicked' when Pc Akwaal Baryana reached into the Ford Escort to take the ignition key while it waited at a set of traffic lights at the junction of Willenhall Road and Neachells Lane, Wednesfield.

The 20-year-old driver - whose brother Daniel, 21, was in the passenger seat - ignored a warning from the office and threw the car into reverse, trapping her between the door and ground, explained Miss Emma Wynne-Owen prosecuting at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday.

The lawyer continued: "She held on to the steering wheel which prevented her being dragged under the car as it travelled for a further 35 metres. She pleaded with him to stop but the car continued in reverse, crossing the dual carriageway, mounting the pavement and crashing into a wall. The officer then told Donovan Icke 'I told you not to stop' and he replied 'sorry'."

Pc Baryana suffered severe bruising and some cuts but escaped serious injury during the incident in the early hours of December 2, the court was told.

The car had been taken from a house in Lyndale Drive, Wednesfield, but the brothers claimed to have found it parked with the engine running and lights on in the street shortly before being spotted by the officer, who knew it had been reported stolen.

Mrs Amanda Jenkins, representing both defendants, said: "Neither had driven before and they argued over who should drive before Donovan stupidly took the wheel. They could not believe their luck. It was raining and they had a fair way to go to get home, so very foolishly they took the car.

"When the officer opened the driver's door Donovan panicked and put the vehicle into reverse. It swerved because the officer was holding the steering wheel. He did not know what to do but realises it could have been far more serious."

Donovan Icke from High Road, Willenhall, admitted assault and aggravated vehicle taking and was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years with 180 hours unpaid work, an 18-month driving ban and ordered to pay £500 compensation to the officer.

His brother Daniel, 21, of Clarence Road, Bilston, pleaded guilty to assault and was given a four-month jail term suspended for two years with 120 hours unpaid work, 12-month driving ban and was told to pay £250 compensation to PC Baryana.

Recorder Richard Benson QC said he had decided 'with some trepidation' not to lock up either because they had no previous convictions, had immediately admitted their guilt and 'mercifully' the officer had not been badly hurt.

He told them: "This was inexcusable and potentially lethal behaviour. Some will say I am failing in my duty but they would not have had the benefit of reading the reports I have seen and hearing the mitigation."