A KENT police officer run down by his own patrol car by a youth later convicted of attempted murder has launched a High Court bid for compensation.

PC Guy Miller, 36, suffered multiple fractures and head wounds when Ricky Hales reversed into him as he struggled to oust him from the car, after trying to arrest him in Kings Hill, near West Malling, in December 2003.

Barrister Andrew Ritchie, told a hearing that PC Miller, who lives in Ashford, was legally entitled to compensation from Hales, because “he attempted to murder Constable Miller by reversing a police car over him and driving away”.

But, as Hales was uninsured – and any judgement against him would be “worthless” – PC Miller has had to pursue his claim against QBE International Insurance Ltd, which insured the vehicle.

Ensign Motor Policies deny liability to compensate PC Miller, claiming he is excluded from cover by a key section of the 1988 Road Traffic Act, which states that insurers are not required to cover “employees” of the policy holder.

The case continues.