BMW Driver Nicks Police Officer in Shocking Crash
A woman who almost hit a police officer after smashing her BMW into a police car has been slapped with a dangerous driving conviction.
Refused to Stop, Then Flew at Officer
Michaela Copeland, 32, from Bermondsey, showed “utterly disgraceful” behaviour, a judge said, after she ignored police instructions to stop. Instead, she sped toward an officer when trapped in traffic in Vauxhall back in August 2022.
Police had already tried twice to pull her over amid concerns about her driving and her car’s condition. Not wanting a high-speed chase, they tailed her from a distance as she headed to Kingston Crown Court.
Crash Nearly Hits Officer, Ends with Copeland’s Arrest
When traffic jammed up, an officer stepped out and stood in front of Copeland’s car. She hit the accelerator, narrowly missing him and crashing into the police vehicle. Upon arrest, she erupted in what the judge called a “ridiculous display of outrage and distress.”
Denies Charges but Found Guilty
Despite denying dangerous driving and blaming past trauma for her actions, a jury at Inner London Crown Court found Copeland guilty last month.
Judge Benedict Kelleher sentenced her to an 18-month suspended jail term and banned her from driving for three years. He added that she might have faced immediate prison time if not for her two young children. Her claims of being pregnant were met with scepticism by the judge.
Road Safety Warning
This case is a stark reminder that dangerous driving is no joke. Police continue their vital work keeping our roads safe from reckless motorists like Copeland.
