Car thief rams into police motorbike leaving officer with ‘significant injuries’

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This is the moment a thief driving a stolen car rammed into a police officer on a motorbike during a high-speed chase.

David Doyle, 19, was spotted by PC Richard Keel in Camden Street driving the vehicle at dangerous speeds on May 17.

When PC Keel gave chase Doyle reversed towards him several times at high speed and knocked him off his bike.

He then sped off leaving PC Keel with significant injuries, leaving witnesses to save Keel before an ambulance arrived, Harrow Crown Court heard.

Doyle was jailed for five-and-half years while PC Keel is still ‘on the challenging journey to recovery’.

The car was found abandoned a mile away and Doyle was identified by CCTV footage and forensic evidence.

He was arrested on 23 May before being charged the following day with driving offences and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

PC Keel, who is based on the Central North Command Unit, said: ‘Although I’m on a challenging journey to recovery, I’m pleased that Doyle has been brought to justice for the attack.

Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of David Doyle who was sentenced to five-and-a-half years and disqualified from driving for 81 months at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday, after he rammed a policeman off his motorbike in a stolen car. Pc Richard Keel was on a marked motorcycle in Camden Street in the capital at around 6.20pm on May 17 when he spotted Doyle driving a stolen car at dangerous speeds. Police said Pc Keel started a pursuit, only for Doyle to reverse towards him multiple times at high speed, striking him hard on the third attempt and knocking him off his motorcycle. Doyle then sped off, leaving Pc Keel with significant injuries. Issue date: Friday November 15, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story COURTS Doyle. Photo credit should read: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
David Doyle who was sentenced to five-and-a-half years after he rammed a policeman off his motorbike in a stolen car (Picture: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)

A man who rammed a stolen car into a police officer following a high speed chase in north London has been jailed. David Doyle, 19 (13.02.05) of Brick Lane, Northolt was sentenced to five and a half years? imprisonment at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday, 14 November having previously pleaded guilty at the same court on 1 August. He was also disqualified from driving for 81 months. At around 18:20hrs on Friday, 17 May, PC Richard Keel was on a marked motorcycle in Camden Street when he spotted Doyle driving a stolen car at dangerous speeds. PC Keel started a pursuit, only for Doyle to reverse towards him multiple times at high speed, striking him hard on the third attempt and knocking him off his bike.
He rammed into the police officer during a high speed chase (Picture: Metropolitan Police)

‘This incident is a reminder of the dangers we face as we strive to keep communities and Londoners safe.

‘I would like to thank the members of the public that helped me that day and my colleagues who have been extremely supportive during this difficult time.’

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: ‘Every day 18 of our officers are assaulted in the line of duty protecting the public. Two are seriously injured each week.

‘I am constantly humbled by the selfless and brave commitment of the men and women of the Met who put their lives on the line to keep Londoners safe.

‘That’s exactly what PC Keel did and I am pleased we were able to bring his attacker swiftly to justice.

‘I had the opportunity to thank PC Keel for his service and wish him a speedy recovery. I’d also like to thank those members of the public and London Ambulance Service paramedics for the help they provided following the incident.’

Doyle, of Brick Lane, Northolt was sentenced to five and a half years’ imprisonment at Harrow Crown Court having previously pleaded guilty at the same court.

He was also disqualified from driving for 81 months.

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