Man tried to murder police officer with stolen car

A man has admitted trying to murder a police officer with a stolen car that initially contained a teenager he had unknowingly abducted, a court has heard.

Thomas Malone, 29, attempted to kill PC Adam Brealey during an incident at the Shell Garage in Edinburgh's Stenhouse Road on 9 July 2024.

Malone had earlier stolen a silver Mercedes Benz from outside a burger shop in Gorgie Road. The driver had parked the car to buy food.

When Malone took the car he was unaware that the man's 16-year-old son was in the back watching videos on his phonem, but drove off anyway.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, prosecutor Nicola Gilchrist told judge Lord Renucci: "The passenger challenged the accused and instructed him to exit the vehicle.

"The accused then stated 'We are going for a drive' and drove away."

The court heard that he let the teenager out of the car a few moments later. He was found "distressed, crying and in shock".

Gilchrist said Malone drove dangerously through Edinburgh's streets. He was seen frequently driving onto the opposite lane, in one instance into the path of a bus. He also struck a car.

One witness told police the stolen car had been "fishtailing" - caused by the back wheels losing traction, making the car lose control and swerve from side to side.

Witnesses contacted police after seeing the Mercedes with extensive front-end damage to it including a "crumpled bonnet".

The court heard PC Brealey was driving a police BMW when he saw the Mercedes parked in the garage. He parked his vehicle to stop Malone from getting away and tried to apprehend him.

Gilchrist said Brealey grasped Malone's hands but he struggled and failed to comply with instructions to stop the engine.

"PC Brealey activated his emergency radio signal as the accused began reversing," the prosecutor said. "PC Brealey has limited recollection thereafter and next recalls being on the ground.

"As the accused moved the vehicle forward, it collided forcefully with the vehicle positioned in front at the fuel pump.

"PC Brealey remained leaning into the driver's window during this manoeuvre."

She said Malone drove between two vehicles at adjacent fuel pumps, striking a second vehicle to the rear and passenger side.

The police officer also hit the vehicle and fell to the ground.

"The accused continued towards the exit, collided with a pole, attempted to unsuccessfully reverse and then exited the vehicle and fled on foot," Gilchrist said.

He was chased by a member of the public and police officers and was caught nearby.

Gilchrist said PC Brealey was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Hospital and was released after being treated for his injuries.

Malone, from Edinburgh, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, dangerous driving and abduction charges.

He will be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on 12 May.

Lord Renucci ordered a specialist social worker to prepare a report into his background and remanded him in custody.