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Man who injured police officer after 'using car as weapon' jailed for three years

Nsimba Malungo was jailed for three years after driving his car at and injuring a police officer in Ilford
Nsimba Malungo was jailed for three years after driving his car at and injuring a police officer in Ilford

A man has been jailed after deliberately driving his car at and injuring a police officer in east London.

Nsimba Malungo, 29, drove off after officers had flagged down the car he was driving in a traffic stop in Ilford.

He struck one of the officers and carried him on the bonnet for a short distance.

The officer sustained a head injury and was taken to hospital for treatment during the incident at the junction with the A12 and Ley Street on April 20.

The details of the car were circulated and it was located about a mile away.

Officers established that the registered keeper of the car was Malungo.

As efforts were made to locate him, Malungo called police and claimed that his car had been stolen. A friend backed up his story.

However through CCTV analysis officers police were able to disprove this.

Malungo was subsequently arrested on 28 April and charged with ABH, dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.

He was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 16 October, to a total of three years in prison after pleading guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing.

Detective Sergeant Colin Stow of the East Area Command Unit led the investigation 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: “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.”