A 29-year-old man has been convicted after a police officer was struck by a stolen car outside a petrol station in Edinburgh, leaving the officer with serious injuries. The case, stemming from an incident on 9 July 2024, highlights the acute dangers officers face when attempting to halt moving vehicles.
Thomas Malone, 29, admitted in the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday to attempted murder, dangerous driving and abduction in connection with the episode at a Shell forecourt on Stenhouse Road.
What happened
Police say the officer, on foot at the time, tried to stop a Mercedes GLE that had been reported stolen earlier that evening from the Gorgie Road area. The vehicle collided with the constable, who was treated at the scene by colleagues before being taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
A 16‑year‑old who had been a passenger in the car escaped from the vehicle before the collision and suffered no injuries. Malone was detained at the scene and later charged.
Police reaction and court outcome
Senior officers praised the rapid response of colleagues at the scene. Detective Inspector Alan Sharp described the episode as a traumatic event for all involved and said the conviction should offer some reassurance to the injured officer and witnesses.
Superintendent Andrew Barclay, who oversees road policing, emphasised the unpredictability of incidents officers can encounter while carrying out routine duties and thanked staff for their professionalism under pressure.
- Date: 9 July 2024
- Location: Shell petrol station, Stenhouse Road, Edinburgh
- Vehicle: Mercedes GLE, reported stolen from Gorgie Road
- Defendant: Thomas Malone, 29
- Charges: Attempted murder, dangerous driving, abduction (pleaded guilty)
- Victims: Police officer – serious injuries; 16‑year‑old passenger – uninjured
The prosecution’s acceptance of guilty pleas means the focus now shifts to sentencing. Court papers did not specify a date for sentence hearing; that will be scheduled by the court.
This case underscores wider concerns about vehicle-enabled offences and the hazards they pose to frontline officers and the public. While the legal process moves forward, police say the conviction sends a clear message that violent conduct toward officers will be pursued robustly.
Hi, I’m Benjamin, a member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a passion for writing and a deep interest in current affairs, I thoroughly enjoy bringing you the latest news and trends that affect our daily lives.
