Violent Motorway Mayhem: Culshaw Jailed for Brutal Attack on Police
Assault on Officers Sparks High-Speed Drama on M40
Morgan Culshaw, 26, of Pennywell Drive, Oxford, was found guilty of a shocking string of crimes at Oxford Crown Court on 19 August. The jury convicted him of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, dangerous driving, theft, and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
It all kicked off on 20 August last year when Thames Valley Police’s Roads Policing Unit spotted Culshaw speeding in a Renault Clio between junctions 8 and 9 of the M40 in Oxfordshire.
Violent Clash Leaves Officers Injured
When officers PC Martin Woodford and PC Phil Duthie pulled the vehicle over, Culshaw launched a brutal attack. PC Woodford was punched, stamped on, and temporarily knocked unconscious, while PC Duthie was punched in the head and bitten.
In a shocking twist, Culshaw also snatched PC Woodford’s incapacitant spray and used it against him during the tussle, which took place on the busy motorway hard shoulder.
High-Speed Getaway Ends in Crash and Arrest
After the violent scuffle, Culshaw jumped back into the Clio and sped off. It took a police officer ramming the car to bring the chase to a temporary halt. Undeterred, Culshaw then drove the wrong way down the hard shoulder, crashed into a ditch, and fled on foot—before being finally caught.
The jury handed down a unanimous conviction after a four-day trial, sending a clear message about the seriousness of his offences.
Police Praise Officers’ Bravery as Culshaw Sentenced
“This was an appalling, violent and unprovoked assault,” said Chief Inspector Chris Spellerberg of the Roads Policing Joint Operations Unit. “Culshaw put officers and other road users in serious danger with his reckless driving and violent behaviour.”
“Our officers feared for their lives during the attack on a busy motorway. Police serve the public and deserve to return home safe.”
“The six-year sentence reflects the gravity of these crimes. Culshaw now has plenty of time to reflect on his violent actions.”
Both PCs Woodford and Duthie have since returned to duty, continuing to protect the community after surviving the terrifying ordeal.
