A 62-year-old driver has been jailed for two years and four months after ploughing into a police officer at the scene of a road traffic collision in Maghull, seriously injuring him.
Richard Ainscough, of Whitburn in Skelmersdale, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today where he was sentenced to 28 months in custody and disqualified from driving for two years.
The incident occurred on the morning of Wednesday 27 December 2023, after police were called to Northway, Maghull, following a fail-to-stop collision involving a cyclist.
While Roads Policing officers were managing the scene, Ainscough’s Ford Kuga mounted the central reservation from the southbound to the northbound carriageway — despite emergency lights being activated — and struck an officer who was leaning into a vehicle window.
The injured officer sustained a dislocated shoulder and a fractured elbow, both requiring extensive surgery.
Ainscough charged with dangerous and unfit driving
Ainscough was arrested at the scene and later charged with:
- Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
- Driving whilst unfit through drugs
- Driving with eyesight that did not comply with legal standards
“Only sheer luck the officer wasn’t killed” – Police
Detective Sergeant Christine Bennett of Merseyside Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) condemned Ainscough’s actions, saying:
“It is incredible that Ainscough chose to drive in such a reckless manner, and it is only by sheer good luck that the officer was not killed.”
She added:
“Our officers put themselves at risk daily to protect the public. We will not tolerate drivers who ignore road safety rules and endanger lives.”
Road safety remains a community responsibility
Police continue to urge the public to report dangerous drivers to help prevent future tragedies and support Vision Zero, Merseyside’s initiative to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries.
