Man charged with dangerous driving in Liverpool

A man has been charged after a police officer was driven at in Liverpool city centre on Friday (28 January).

An officer was on foot patrol on Wood Street at around 11.20pm, when a white Vauxhall Combo van came to his attention.

The officer stood in front of the van and indicated for it to stop in order to conduct enquiries, but the driver continued until the officer had both hands on the vehicle’s bonnet and was forced backwards. The vehicle then continued towards Hanover Street.

Stephen Mudd, 32, of Dingle Vale, Liverpool was arrested on Monday 31 January and later charged with dangerous driving.

He was remanded into custody to appear at Wirral Magistrates Court on Tuesday (1 February), where he was further remanded to appear at Liverpool Crown Court for sentence on 1 March 2022 after he was found guilty of the offence.

Detective Inspector Ben Dyer said: "This officer acted bravely and decisively, risking his own safety in his attempts to stop this vehicle. 

“Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to stop people hurting themselves and others, and dedicate their careers to public service.

“When we sign up to join the police we know what we are committing to, but it is still extremely disappointing to hear of incidents such as this.

“The dangerous actions of the driver could have had far worse consequences, and we are all thankful that the officer escaped serious injury.”