Sentenced: Man who deliberately drove into a police officer

A man who deliberately drove into a police officer in Stockport has been sentenced today at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

Harvey Bell, 19, was sentenced to 31 months' custody in a Young Offender Institution and was disqualified from driving for two years.

Victoria Agulló, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: "Assaults against frontline officers are totally unacceptable and today's sentence for Harvey Bell should leave those who would use a car as a weapon in no doubt that they will face the full force of the law.

"In her victim personal statement, the officer explained that whilst her injuries have healed, the trauma of watching the wheels drive over her legs and the feeling of helplessness still gives her nightmares.

"The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with Greater Manchester Police to build this case, including eyewitness testimony, CCTV footage and cell site data leaving Bell nowhere to go but admit what he had done.

"As Bell begins his prison sentence, I sincerely hope the officer, who is now back serving the public, can start to move forward knowing Bell has been brought to justice."

Facts of the case

Officers attended Sainsbury's car park on Wilmslow Road, around 11.45pm on 25 January 2025, following reports of men taking drugs in the car park.

They saw a single Audi car on the car park, which was stationary with the engine running.

The police parked in front of the car and the officer signalled for Harvey Bell to remain stationary and turn the engine off. Instead, he reversed.

As the officer approached the front windscreen, Bell accelerated and drove at the officer, knocking her to the ground and driving over her legs with both sets of wheels, before driving out of the car park at speed.

The officer briefly lost consciousness and was taken to hospital where her injuries were assessed.

She suffered a deep cut requiring hospital treatment alongside bruising, cuts and scratches to her leg and arm.

Bell was traced and arrested by police on 26 January 2025.

He made no comment in his police interview but went on to plead guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving on 27 March 2025.