A nurse with no driving licence who ran over a policewoman after being stopped for speeding with a child in the back has been jailed for over a year.
Abiola Akilla, 51, never passed a driving test and had no insurance when she reversed over PC Caroline Green.
Akilla was driving in her son’s VW Polo when she smashed into the officer and sped off, leaving her screaming in pain at the roadside in Grays, Essex.
PC Caroline Green had to be treated for five broken ribs, several leg and arm injuries, and mental trauma from the horrific incident.
Akilla, who claimed she was “in a rush”, was pulled over after the officer spotted her travelling 51mph in a 40mph zone with a child in the back seat.
PC Green, who is also a mother with a young child, went to the front of the vehicle to note down the rogue driver’s registration number when she suddenly reversed back onto the road.
Akilla then “drove over the top” of the policewoman and fled the scene.
The officer was left screaming in pain as she attempted to radio for help unsuccessfully, but was unable to do so until a passing motorist contacted the police.
PC Green was treated by emergency services at the roadside before being airlifted to Royal London Hospital, where she stayed for a week.
She was left with concussion symptoms for months and has since been diagnosed with PTSD.
The policewoman has not yet returned to frontline duties as she continues to recover from her serious injuries.
In a statement after the defendant was jailed, PC Green said Akilla’s sentence is “a very small price for her to pay” as a traffic officer is faced with suffering a “life sentence” due to ongoing injuries.
She said: “I’ve been through 17 months of hell, mentally and physically, and continue to go through it – it’s like a life sentence for me.”
Akilla was arrested and charged with GBH with intent but it took a full 17 months for her to be sentenced last Wednesday (30 March) due to coronavirus delays.
By the time it got to court last week the charges had decreased to dangerous driving.
Laura Heggie, Essex Police Federation chair, described body-cam footage of the crash as “harrowing” and that PC Green can no longer do the job she loved.
She said: “Having watched Caroline’s body-worn video and heard the harrowing screams, I cannot comprehend how any human being – let alone a nurse – could just drive off and leave someone injured in the road.
“I was happy to see the 30-month custodial sentence handed down by the judge but still feel that Akilla got off lightly.
“Caroline is living proof of the risks that police officers face every day whilst policing the streets of Essex.”
