Essex Traffic Cop Crushed by Car in Shocking Hit-and-Run
PC Caroline Green faced a nightmare on duty that left her with horrific injuries – and trauma that’s lasted over a year and a half. The Essex traffic officer’s torment was only made worse by the agonising wait for justice after the driver responsible was finally sentenced.
Horrific Incident on the Streets of Grays
On 31 October 2020, Caroline was working alone when she pulled over a speeding vehicle in Grays. The driver, Abiola Akilla, was uninsured, unlicensed, and had her young child in the back seat.
“I saw a car coming over the hill going over the speed limit, and it didn’t slow down,” Caroline said. “I pulled her over and she said the vehicle wasn’t hers and she didn’t have her licence on her. Then suddenly, she reversed back onto the road.”
Caroline tried to get the driver into a layby and radioed for backup. That’s when Akilla did the unthinkable.
“She drove right over me. Her front wheel went over my ankle, then up my leg. I thought she’d snapped it. I fell back, cracked my head on concrete, and she drove over my ribs and right shoulder. I was screaming in pain. Between the first and second wheels, I curled into a foetal position, but the back wheel crushed my legs, pelvis, and stomach.”
Nurse Driver Flees, Victim Airlifted to Hospital
After mowing her down, Akilla drove off. Luckily, a passing motorist stopped and called emergency services. An air ambulance rushed Caroline to Royal London Hospital where she spent a week in intensive care.
Her injuries were severe: two broken ribs, three fractured ribs, a flail chest injury, ligament damage to her ankle, a head cut, swelling and abrasions, plus months of concussion and a later PTSD diagnosis. It wasn’t until December 2021 that Caroline could return to police work, and only in a limited capacity from home.
Justice Delayed, But Finally Delivered
Akilla was arrested and charged with GBH with intent. But it took 17 agonising months for her case to come to court. By the time she was sentenced on 30 March 2022, the charge had been downgraded to serious injury by dangerous driving.
Caroline said the wait wrecked her mental health: “I had sleepless nights and headaches thinking about the court case. I’ve been on some form of recovery every day since. For her, the consequences are short-lived, but for me, they may last forever.”
Akilla received a 30-month jail sentence and a six-year driving ban. Caroline feels the punishment was too lenient.
“I want to stay with the police but can’t return to the frontline uniform work I loved. I’m only 14 years into my career but I don’t know where I fit now.”
Support from Essex Police Federation
Caroline credits Essex Police Federation for standing by her through this ordeal.
“Laura Heggie, Federation Chair, visited me in hospital the day after and has supported me ever since. They put me in touch with an anxiety coach which really helped.”
Laura Heggie added: “Having seen the bodycam footage and heard Caroline’s screams, I cannot believe a nurse could drive off and leave her like that. Although the 30-month sentence was welcome, Akilla got off lightly. This shows the dangers our officers face daily – one moment can change your entire life.”
Caroline Green’s shocking ordeal is a stark reminder of the risks officers face on the streets. What began as a routine stop turned into a life-changing tragedy.
