Individual imprisoned for ramming police officer with van

An individual received a prison sentence for an “disgusting attack” after driving his van into a police officer while attempting to flee a cul-de-sac. Manchester Crown Court was informed that Kyle Woods, aged 33, accelerated his vehicle towards a Greater Manchester Police officer after being cornered on Didcot Road in Manchester. This action resulted in the officer sustaining a broken ankle along with other physical and psychological injuries, which caused “excruciating pain”. Woods admitted guilt to charges of assault and dangerous driving, receiving a sentence of six years and four months in prison. Gary Crawford, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, characterized the “harrowing incident” as “unacceptable”. The officer, who later described the event as “one of the most traumatic events of his life”, was struck and his patrol car sustained damage on Sunday, May 5. Testimony presented in court indicated that the officer had been dispatched to an address around 22:30 BST to discuss Woods with a woman. Approximately an hour after departing the premises, the officer observed Woods driving by. He then positioned his vehicle to prevent Woods from leaving the road and exited his car to engage with him. Woods rapidly accelerated into a space located between the officer’s vehicle and a second car. He subsequently escaped the location but was apprehended the next day. Constable Smith, from Greater Manchester Police’s Trafford district, stated: “We are fortunate that the officer involved in this disgusting attack did not suffer more serious injuries, and is thankfully back serving his community.” He further commented that the incident illustrated the type of violence officers can encounter, noting that they “put their safety on the line day-in, day-out”. Constable Smith praised all officers involved in this “shocking case,” and added that Woods would have “plenty of time to think about his vile actions” during his incarceration. Garry Crawford, representing the Crown Prosecution Service North West, reiterated that this was a “harrowing incident” and emphasized that “assaults against brave frontline officers were unacceptable”. He also mentioned that the event had caused a “severe psychological impact” on the officer, expressing hope for his complete recovery.