Fourteen months in prison for driving at police officer

A MAN is behind bars for his reckless actions in November last year when he drove his vehicle at a police officer.

Aidan Hinkler hit a South Yorkshire Police officer knocking him off balance and then sped off. He appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday, 13 February, where he was sentenced to 14 months in prison. Neil Bowles, Chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said this was an “unacceptable risk that my members have to face.” 

Hinkler, 21, was sat in a Ford Fiesta on Thursday, 27 November on Kilvington Road in Woodthorpe, when he was approached by an officer on patrol in the area as he had suspicions regarding the vehicle.

Hinkler, of Kilvington Road, stalled the car, before restarting it and reversing at speed, mounting the footpath.

The officer shouted for him to stop however Hinkler ignored his command and drove towards him at speed before hitting him and driving off.

He was later arrested and charged with dangerous driving, driving without a licence and driving whilst uninsured.

He pleaded guilty to all three charges and

PC Ryan Griffiths said: “Fortunately the officer only sustained minor injuries, however Hinkler didn’t spare a thought for the potential consequences, which could have proved fatal, as he recklessly drove at him.

“I sincerely hope he considers his thoughtless and dangerous actions that day while serving his sentence in prison.”

Mr Bowles added: “This is something that you don’t sign up for, to be run over, and police officers don’t get paid enough for it. 14 months for attempted murder?  don’t think it’s enough at all, and I don’t think society would.”