A man who deliberately ran over a policeman after he was stopped for not wearing a seat belt has been jailed for six years.

22-year-old Mohammed Zakariyya, of Havering Street, Stepney, was sentenced at Snaresbrook crown court today after being convicted on September 26, at the same court, for the attempted GBH of a police officer.

The incident took place last year, on November 9, when PC Christopher Phillips noticed Zakariyya wasn’t wearing his seatbelt whilst driving in his silver Mercedes, in Ewhurst Close, Stepney.

After PC Phillips asked him to stop Zakariyya reversed 15 metres before driving aggressively towards the policeman and braking just inches from him.

The policeman repeated his request before Zakariyya, according to other officers on the scene, stared directly at PC Phillips before accelerating into him and driving off.

The officer was flown from the car bonnet and landed on the road leaving him with bone and deep tissue injuries.

PC Phillips was treated at hospital for his injuries and soon returned to work whilst other officers soon identified Zakariyya as the culprit.

Zakariyya handed himself in to the police the following day but refused to answer questions and was charged on November 11.

DC Tony Dowds, of Tower Hamlets borough, said it was a ‘deliberate and dangerous assault on an officer’ who was merely doing his duty.

“He was only going to speak to Zakariyya about a minor traffic matter, but instead found his life endangered and was lucky not to have permanent injuries.

“This case highlights the unpredictable nature of policing and the dangers officers can face while dealing with the most routine matters.

“As for Zakariyya and his reckless assault - the jury quickly convicted him and I am very pleased with the verdict.

“Officers work hard to keep the public safe and those who assault them can expect to face the consequences of their actions.”

Zakariyya was also sentenced to three years after being convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm as well as being issued with a five year driving ban after being found guilty of dangerous driving.

All sentences will run concurrently.