DRUNK driver James Willett drove straight into a policeman who stood in the middle of the road and tried to stop him. Willett accelerated towards PC Nicholas Webber, and his car hit the officer s right hand as he attempted to get away. The force of the b

DRUNK driver James Willett drove straight into a policeman who stood in the middle of the road and tried to stop him.

Willett accelerated towards PC Nicholas Webber, and his car hit the officer's right hand as he attempted to get away.

"The force of the blow spun the officer round, and his hand hit the car again," Ely magistrates were told by prosecutor Laura Mardell.

"Another officer followed the defendant as he drove off through a built-up area, and the police car had to drive at 50 mph in a 30 mph limit. There were vehicles parked on the street, and at one point the defendant chose to drive on the pavement."

Willett was unable to get far, and when he stopped he was abusive to the arresting officer.

Self employed brick layer Willett, 35, of Fordham Road, Soham, admitted assaulting a police officer, drink-driving, and driving without due care and without insurance on April 25.

"All I can say is that I am sorry for what I did," Willett told the court. "I didn't mean to do it, I just panicked. I had just finished work and had a few beers."

The incident happened after police were called to Clay Street in Soham to deal with an unrelated incident, said Miss Mardell.

Officers saw Willett wheel spinning his car, and PC Webber tried to stop him by walking into the road and holding up his hand.

"The car slowed down, then it approached the officer and the defendant shouted abuse. The vehicle speeded up towards him, and collided with his left hand."

Willett gave a breath test reading of 58 mcgs of alcohol in 100 mls of breath, when the legal limit is 35 mcgs.

After warning Willett that he could be jailed for the offence, the court imposed an interim driving ban on him, and adjourned sentencing until June 4 for a report to be prepared.