Morgan Culshaw, 26, of Pennywell Drive, Oxford, was found guilty of multiple serious offences at Oxford Crown Court on 19 August. The jury convicted him of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, dangerous driving, theft, and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
The events began on 20 August last year when Thames Valley Police’s Roads Policing Unit spotted Culshaw speeding in a Renault Clio between junctions 8 and 9 of the M40 in Oxfordshire.
When officers PC Martin Woodford and PC Phil Duthie stopped the vehicle, Culshaw launched a brutal attack. PC Woodford was punched, stamped on, and temporarily knocked unconscious, while PC Duthie was punched in the head and bitten. During the struggle on the busy motorway hard shoulder, Culshaw also seized PC Woodford’s incapacitant spray and used it against him.
After the violent assault, Culshaw jumped back into the Clio and sped away. A police officer had to ram the car to bring the chase to a temporary stop. Culshaw then drove the wrong way down the hard shoulder, crashed into a ditch, and fled on foot before being apprehended.
The jury delivered a unanimous conviction after a four-day trial, highlighting the severity of Culshaw’s offences.
Chief Inspector Chris Spellerberg of the Roads Policing Joint Operations Unit commented, “This was an appalling, violent and unprovoked assault. Culshaw put officers and other road users in serious danger with his reckless driving and violent behaviour.”
He added, “Our officers feared for their lives during the attack on a busy motorway. Police serve the public and deserve to return home safe.”
“The six-year sentence reflects the gravity of these crimes. Culshaw now has plenty of time to reflect on his violent actions.”
Both PCs Woodford and Duthie have since returned to duty, continuing to protect the community after surviving the terrifying ordeal.
Originally published by UKNIP.
