A man from Ipswich has been locked up for almost four years after critically injuring a serving Metropolitan Police officer in a brutal hit-and-run.
32-year-old Carl Horsnell pleaded guilty to six charges at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, including causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He’s been sentenced to 3 years and 10 months behind bars.
But that’s not all. Horsnell also admitted to:
He denied assaulting a police officer, but that charge was left on file.
The terrifying collision happened at 7.22am on Thursday, 11 December 2025. Horsnell was behind the wheel of a silver BMW 318i when he hit a female Met Police officer in her 30s. Instead of stopping, he sped off, leaving witnesses horrified and calling emergency services.
The officer suffered life-threatening head injuries, a fractured spine, and serious leg wounds. She was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital and remains in critical condition.
CCTV and dashcam footage revealed Horsnell was speeding, running red lights, and weaving dangerously—all while on a video call. Police confirmed his phone was in use during the crash.
After his arrest, Horsnell blew more than double the legal alcohol limit—74 microgrammes compared to the 35 allowed. He has been banned from driving for seven years.
The investigation is ongoing. Police are urging anyone who drove near Burrell Road between 7am and 7.30am on 11 December to come forward—especially those with dashcam footage.
Witnesses should contact the Joint Norfolk & Suffolk Serious Collision Investigation Unit quoting reference 37/70165/25.
