Kerb crawler Paul Simpson was shocked when a "prostitute" told him she was really a policewoman.

He panicked and drove off at such high speed that he knocked down and badly injured a young male constable, a court heard.

Simpson, 23, admitted dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident at 9.50pm on September 3.

Prosecutor Tony Badenoch said Simpson had driven up to PC Dawn Smith who was acting as a decoy vice girl in Ambleside Drive, Southend.

Simpson asked her if she worked as a prostitute in the day time and would she agree to oral sex, added Mr Tony Badenoch.

He said while the conversation was going on three other officers were keeping observation on PC Smith's activities.

She eventually asked Simpson to switch off his car engine which he did. Then he suddenly yelled: "You're the police," turned on the engine and sped off.

Mr Badenoch said one of the watching officers, PC Dennis Puttock, shouted out to Simpson: "Stop, Essex police!"

Suddenly the officer was hit by the car, spun around by Simpson's Fiat Punto and sent sprawling in agony across the road.

He was rushed to Southend hospital with broken ribs and damage to his left lung.

Mr Badenoch said after the incident the officer's colleagues alerted other police officers and 20 minutes later Simpson, of Coleman Street, Southend, was arrested.

He was asked what made him act in such a way, and replied: "It was ridiculous and pathetic. I did not check anything and just wanted to get away."

His barrister, Colette Kelly, told Basildon Crown Court on Monday that Simpson was suffering from depression and could not cope with the situation when confronted by the policewoman.

Mrs Kelly said that in the space of 30 seconds he reacted completely out of character, panicked and drove away.

She said he has since shown remorse towards the injured officer, who has claimed for his injuries through Simpson's car insurance.

The defendant was told by Assistant Recorder Christopher Chandler: "You were unwise and stupid that night. Dangerous driving normally attracts a prison sentence."

However, because of his previous good character the judge said he would treat Simpson leniently.

He was ordered to serve 180 hours' community work. He was also banned from motoring for six months, told to retake his driving test when eligible and ordered to pay £200 court costs.

In addition, he must pay £700 compensation to the injured policeman.

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