Man jailed for driving at and injuring police officer in Newbury Park

Nsimba Malungo was sentenced to three years behind bars

A man has been jailed for deliberately driving at and injuring a police officer in Newbury Park.

Nsimba Malungo initially stopped when police pulled him over at the A12 junction with Ley Street on Monday, 20 April.

But he then sped at the officers as they approached his car, with one officer being struck and carried on the bonnet for a short distance.

The officer sustained a head injury and was taken to hospital for treatment. Fortunately, he was able to return to work a week later.

Malungo’s car was later found abandoned in Ilford and it was established that her was the vehicle’s registered keeper.

To cover his tracks, the 29-year-old called police and claimed his car had been stolen, and got a friend to back up his tale.

But forensic work and CCTV analysis helped investigators disprove his story and he was arrested on Tuesday, 28 April.

In court, Malungo pleaded guilty to ABH, dangerous driving, and perverting the course of justice.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday (16 October), he was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, made up of two years for ABH, with a concurrent sentence for the driving offences, and 12 months for perverting the course of justice.

Detective Sergeant Colin Stow of the East Area Command Unit said: “This was a shocking incident which could have had devastating consequences for the officer involved.

“Malungo deliberately drove at the officer, using his car as a weapon, in an attempt to evade being detained.

“A diligent investigation took place which left Malungo with no option but to admit his guilt.”

North East Area Taskforce Chief Inspector Billy Bowen-Long, said: “Day-in, day-out, officers from the Met’s Taskforce are out on the streets, operating in some of the most contentious and dynamic situations and often putting themselves in harm’s way.

“In this instance, it is only by sheer luck that this officer was not more seriously injured. However, despite being struck and carried by the car, and being hospitalized, he was back at work the following week – a testament to the commitment and drive our Taskforce officers have to keep Londoners safe.

“The team that dealt with this incident have been rightly recognised for their bravery and commitment and have been awarded a commendation.”

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