A DANGEROUS driver who attacked an on duty policewoman for more than 15 minutes before driving off and throwing her to the ground just inches from cars on the M3 has been jailed.

Innocent Fowung launched a “prolonged and sustained” attack on PC Vikki Sharpe during which she fought desperately to stop him dragging them both into the carriageway of the M3 near Basingstoke where they could have been killed.

Despite managing to handcuff him to his steering wheel and leaning into the car in a bid to stop him driving away, Fowung was able to reverse into her police car, which violently threw the officer against the car and onto the ground seriously injured.

Winchester Crown Court heard how PC Sharpe, from the Roads Policing Team, pulled over the 47-year-old after she spotted him driving erratically along the M3, near Basingstoke.

She breathalysed him and when he failed that test she went on to arrest him but it was at this point that he became aggressive.

She said: “I remember feeling very vulnerable straight away, the strength that he gripped my arm with when he first placed hands on me made it quite clear of his intentions.”

She was then forced to struggle with Fowung at the side of the motorway for more than 15 minutes, managing to cuff one of his hands.

Despite taking his keys, during the fight he manage to get them back and go back to his car in a bid to make his escape.

PC Sharpe leaned into the car to try and get back the keys and managed to put the other cuff on his steering wheel, but he suddenly reversed into her parked car behind, flinging her against his car and onto the ground.

Fortunately he was soon stopped by her colleagues further along the motorway.

PC Sharpe suffered numerous injuries including a broken hand, damaged ribs, back and shoulder pain, which left her off work for three months.

During the sentencing PC Vikki Sharpe told the court how the attack on June 15, last year, has affected her.

She said: “I still suffer from back and shoulder pain which is helped with pain relief, my hand has not mended to a level that it was prior to the incident. My index finger is deformed, I am unable to grip and use the finger for simple tasks, such as undoing a jar or gripping a handle.

“I have seriously considered resigning from my job, something that I never thought I would do. It has made me doubt myself, my abilities and why I am a police officer.”

Fowung, from Coventry, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 months in prison for the assault and a further 10 months in prison to run consecutively for dangerous driving. He was also given a three year driving ban.

After the sentencing John Apter, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, said: “PC Sharpe displayed courage, tenacity and commitment to duty in what was a prolonged and cowardly attack by Mr Fowung.

“Police officers perform a difficult and dangerous job, I hope the prison sentence handed down acts as a reminder that it is never acceptable for an officer to be assaulted.”