Detective 'cannot recall car hit'

Det Con Catherine Corbett suffered a severe head injury

A detective who was allegedly thrown into the air by a fugitive's getaway car has no memory of the incident, the Old Bailey has heard.

Det Con Catherine Corbett, 40, was left with a severe head injury after the incident near Heathrow Airport.

The court heard she was "scooped up" and thrown into the air by the car's open passenger door.

Rashpal Singh, 43, from West Bromwich, denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving.

He also denies two counts of actual bodily harm.

The court heard how Det Con Corbett, of West Midlands Police, was left unconscious on the ground as Mr Singh drove off from outside a hotel near the airport.

'Accelerated backwards'

Two other officers also suffered minor injuries and police vehicles were damaged, the hearing was told.

Det Sgt Simon Smith told the court he and other officers had been waiting to spot Mr Singh, of Gladstone Street, who was on the run from prison after being jailed for fraud.

He told the court: "The defendant put the car into reverse gear and accelerated backwards at speed without any reference to who was around or behind him.

As he went backwards the door of the vehicle caught Det Con Corbett in the chest, scooped her up and threw her backwards."

Judge Jeremy Roberts told the jury Det Con Corbett had never regained any memory of the incident so she would not be called as a witness.

Mr Singh has previously said he drove off because he felt in fear of his life.

The case continues.