Violent Motorway Brawl Ends with Six Years for Culshaw
Morgan Culshaw, 26, of Oxford, slammed with six years behind bars after a brutal motorway showdown. The jury found him guilty of assault, dangerous driving, theft, and firearm possession in a shocking case that rocked the M40.
Police Stop Turns Ugly on Busy M40
On 20 August last year, Thames Valley Police officers Martin Woodford and Phil Duthie tried to pull over a speeding Renault Clio between junctions 8 and 9 on the M40 in Oxfordshire. What followed was a violent clash that left PC Woodford temporarily unconscious and PC Duthie punched and bitten.
- Culshaw punched and stamped on PC Woodford.
- He swiped PC Woodford’s incapacitant spray and sprayed it back at him.
- The fight happened right on the busy motorway hard shoulder, putting everyone at risk.
High-Speed Escape Ends in Crash and Foot Chase
After the savage attack, Culshaw jumped back in the Clio and tried to make a getaway. Another officer rammed the car to stop him, but Culshaw then drove the wrong way down the motorway’s hard shoulder. His reckless stunt ended when he crashed into a ditch and ran off on foot – but police quickly caught him.
Chief Inspector Condemns ‘Appalling, Unprovoked Assault’
“Culshaw put our officers and other road users in serious danger,” said Chief Inspector Chris Spellerberg. “Our officers genuinely feared for their lives trying to restrain him on a live motorway. Nothing justifies the violence inflicted on PCs Woodford and Duthie. I’m pleased they have both recovered and returned to duty. “The six-year sentence reflects how seriously the court took these offences. Culshaw now faces a long time to reflect on his violent actions.”
Culshaw’s conviction followed a four-day trial at Oxford Crown Court, ending yesterday (19/8), sending a clear message: violence against police will not be tolerated on UK roads.
