Driver 'ran over police chief' in row over horn
A motorist mowed down an off-duty policeman then reversed over him before speeding off, a court heard.
Nathan Phipps, 22, allegedly ran over Det Insp Peter Howarth just yards from his front door after the officer had told him to stop sounding his horn at 6am.
He asked Phipps to wind down his window but, fearing the driver was reaching for a weapon, smashed the window and pulled him from the vehicle, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Caroline Carderry said the pair spoke briefly before Phipps got back in and drove into Mr Howarth.
Phipps then reversed over the policeman before speeding off. A neighbour, Timothy Downes, who was watching from a window, told the court he heard Mr Howarth, 53, scream "Don't let him kill me" during the terrifying incident in Wanstead last November.
Mr Howarth suffered a double fracture to his leg and underwent emergency plastic surgery. A keen marathon runner, he had to have a metal plate inserted in an attempt to repair the damage. He also suffered bruising and grazing to his arms, back and neck.
Another neighbour, John Woolnough, said he had been woken by the car horn and had gone to investigate with Mr Howarth.
He told the court after the row Phipps had got back into his car to drive away. He said: "The car reversed, slightly at an angle. At that point I have to say I was scared for myself.
"Then, he put his foot down and drove towards us and hit Peter.
"I jumped in between two parked cars because I was frightened. I heard a very dull thud and a piercing scream."
Mr Woolnough told the court that just seconds later Phipps turned the car around and reversed at speed towards the driveway where Mr Howarth had collapsed.
He said: "He floored it. It was fast and I knew what was coming.
"He reversed up into the driveway. Peter at this point was still screaming. I did not hear any more impact that I am aware of, just screaming."
Phipps, of Forest Gate, denies wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving. The trial continues.
