Terror ride cops handed bravery award

Apr 13 2006 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

A HERO policeman bravely clung to the bonnet of a car on a 70 mph terror ride as he tried to stop burglars.

Now PC Mark Plant - who described his terrifying ordeal as "like something from a Hollywood movie" - has been given a special bravery award

The 40-year-old father of three was on duty with his colleague PC Simon Bevan when they were called to reports of a burglary on February 17.

They found two suspects fleeing premises in Haden Park Road, Cradley Heath.

As the thieves tried to escape in a car, PC Plant stood in their way to try to get them to stop. But instead of stopping, the driver ploughed into the officer, forcing him to dive onto the bonnet.

PC Plant then clung by his fingernails to the bonnet of the speeding car as it was driven for a mile at speeds up to 70 mph, swerving from side to side to try to throw him off.

He managed to kick in the windscreen, causing the driver to smash the car into a lamp-post and bring the drama to an end.

The officer dived off the bonnet seconds before the impact. He was so shaken by his ordeal that he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder.

PC Plant, who has been in the force for three and a half years, has now been presented with the Police Commander's Commendation award for bravery.

His colleague PC Bevan, who followed the speeding car before helping to chase two men who tried to run away after the smash, has also been given an award for his part in the frightening drama.

PC Plant lives in Dudley and is based at Old Hill police station.

A spokesman for Sandwell South police operational command unit, based at Smethwick, said: "PC Plant and PC Bevan are commended for the bravery, professionalism and outstanding police work they displayed during a very traumatic and dangerous ordeal."

Martin O'Neil, 29, from Winterbourne, Bristol, and Stephen Gilheaney, 47, from Folkestone, Kent, have both been charged with burglary. Gilheaney has also been charged with attempted wounding with intent and dangerous driving.

The men are due to attend a plea and directions hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on May 17.

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