Disqualified Driver Jailed for Threatening Cop with Car in Swindon
A reckless driver from Swindon has been slammed with a 21-week jail sentence after nearly running down a police officer in a terrifying incident.
High-Speed Reverse Puts Officer in Danger
The drama unfolded on the morning of October 7 at Apple Green Petrol Station on Great Western Way. Police were attending a separate call when an officer spotted a suspicious vehicle. The driver, identified as 37-year-old David Watkins-Rudman from Beech Avenue, was suspected of driving while disqualified.
As the officer approached, Watkins-Rudman reversed his car at speed, narrowly missing the cop. The officer later described the split-second moment: “I honestly thought that I was going to get hit by the car… I believe he was trying to physically run me over.”
Fleeing Driver Caught Snoozing on Christmas Day
Watkins-Rudman sped off in his silver Audi TT, sparking a police hunt. But his bid to escape ended when he was found asleep in his vehicle early on Christmas Day.
Court Sentence and Police Reaction
At Swindon Magistrates Court on December 28, Watkins-Rudman pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and assaulting an emergency worker. The judge handed down a 21-week prison sentence, three years and ten months driving ban, plus £85 in costs and a £154 surcharge.
PC Matthew Coates, leading the investigation, said: “It is completely unacceptable when police officers are assaulted while carrying out these public duties. I am pleased the courts are taking a stand and removing these offenders from our streets.”
