A callous petrol thief who mowed down a police community support officer in his car was jailed for eight months today.
Libyan national Otman Massud, 25, ploughed his Peugeot 406 into PCSO Riccardo Gambino, 46, after he tried to stop him leaving the petrol station.
Mr Gambino attempted to block Massud’s car using his bicycle as a barrier after he spotted him trying to leave without paying on July 21 last year.
Massud smashed into the police bicycle but incredibly PCSO Gambino escaped serious injuries after his front tyre took the brunt of the impact.
He was today jailed for eight months and banned from driving for 12 months after he admitted theft and dangerous driving at Warwick Crown Court.
Judge Charles Harris QC told him: ”On 21 July at a petrol forecourt a police officer told you to pull over. You deliberately drove at him.
”Police have a tough enough time doing their job in this country and they can expect the full support of this court.
”Fortunately for you and for him his injuries were not serious. I am afraid you have to face your punishments.”
Massud pinched more than £60-worth of unleaded petrol from the Tesco Express station in Olton, Solihull, West Mids.,
Mr Gambino told the court: ”I came towards the car and requested the car to stop.
”He shouted ‘What have I done? I’ve done nothing.’ Then he just put his foot down.
”He drove at me and I got knocked to the floor. The front wheel of my bike was snapped in half and I had cuts and bruises.
”I suppose it was a one in a million chance to actually see a petrol theft while I was there.”