Footage shows a driver reversing into a Metropolitan Police officer’s motorcycle, leaving him seriously injured in the road.

Joseph Ward, 24, rammed Inspector Tony McGovern, attached to the Violent Crime Taskforce, to avoid being arrested for more than a dozen offences.

Insp McGovern was on a motorcycle patrol in Haringey, north London, on 1 July 2022, when he saw Ward behaving suspiciously in a grey Mitsubishi.

He spoke to Ward, who then suddenly pulled forward and reversed into Insp McGovern, before speeding off.

Insp McGovern was taken to hospital with injuries to his legs, shoulders and back.

Following a manhunt, Ward was arrested in Letchworth in Hertfordshire, on 20 July.
He was charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Insp McGovern and driving disqualified.

In total, he admitted to 14 offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, impersonating a police officer, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police. He was jailed for a total of four years at Wood Green Crown Court.

Insp McGovern said: “I have been a police officer for 18 years and I never expected to be deliberately rammed off my motorbike in such a violent and aggressive act.”