Hit and run pair jailed after stealing car and using it to mow down policeman

Euguene Gunderman, 28, and Damon Denham, 27, both from Berkshire, were sentenced at St Albans Crown Court for the crime spree which occurred on July 10, when Herts Police officers responded to an incident of speeding on the M25.

PCs David Oram and Stuart Fraser – both part of Operation Scorpion which proactively tackles car crime and burglaries – attended the area after the stolen grey Audi RS6 was seen driving at 100mph on the hard shoulder.

The vehicle had been stolen from Berkhamsted’s Upper Hall Park earlier that day, but was found by the officers in Chorleywood.

As PC Oram attempted to contain the car, he was knocked to the ground and run over by driver Gunderman – leaving him with serious injuries.

The second crook, Denham, was out of the car and also got knocked over, before getting back inside and speeding off with his partner in crime.

Gunderman then attempted to steal a Porsche to make a getaway before both got back into the Audi, which collided with a number of other vehicles including a police car.

The pair were later arrested.

Eugene Gunderman, 28, of Queens Close in Old Windsor, pleaded guilty to stealing the Audi, attempted robbery, ABH and dangerous driving.

He was jailed for four years and ten months in prison in total and was also disqualified from driving for five years.

Denham, 27, of Kingbury Drive in Old Windsor, was handed a nine-month prison sentence for the theft of the Audi.

The pair’s sentences are to run on top of convictions for conspiracy to rob, on separate matters for which both were sentenced in August at Guildford Crown Court.

Chief Supet Bill Jephson said: “PC’s Oram and Fraser responded to this incident as part of their routine work and had no idea that they would be faced which such serious consequences.

“Yet, despite being driven at and PC Oram suffering significant injuries, the two officers still gave chase.

“This proves how dedicated our officers are in facing life threatening situations in order to prevent crime and protect the public and their bravery should be commended.

“I would like to thank them and our colleagues across the county who go above and beyond the call of duty every day.”