A homeless man has been jailed after deliberately driving his car at and injuring a police officer in Ilford.

On April 20 police officers on patrol stopped a car being driven Nsimba Malungo at the junction with the A12 and Ley Street.

As they approached the car, the 29-year-old drove off, ramming into one of the officers who was launched onto the bonnet and carried down the road for a short distance. The officer sustained a head injury and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Later that day the car, which had been abandoned, was located about a mile away in Ilford. Officers established that the registered keeper of the car was Malungo.

As efforts were made to locate him, Malungo attempted called police and claimed that his car had been stolen; a story backed up by a friend.

However, through a series of forensic work including CCTV analysis officers were able to disprove this.

Malungo was arrested on April 28 and charged the following day.

Detective Sergeant Colin Stow who led the investigation said: “This was a shocking incident which could have had devastating consequences for the officer involved. Malungo deliberately drove at the officer, using his car as a weapon, in an attempt to evade being detained. A diligent investigation took place which left Malungo with no option but to admit his guilt.”

Malungo, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, October 16 to a total of three years in prison after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

North East Area Taskforce Chief Inspector Billy Bowen-Long, said: “Day-in, day-out, officers from the Met’s Taskforce are out on the streets, operating in some of the most contentious and dynamic situations and often putting themselves in harm’s way.

“In this instance, it is only by sheer luck that this officer was not more seriously injured. However, despite being struck and carried by the car, and being hospitalized, he was back at work the following week – a testament to the commitment and drive our Taskforce officers have to keep Londoners safe.

“The team that dealt with this incident have been rightly recognised for their bravery and commitment and have been awarded a commendation.”

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