Man jailed for trying to kill police officer with stolen car

A man who tried to kill a police officer with a stolen car has been jailed for 11 years.

Thomas Malone had jumped into the Mercedes Benz outside a burger shop in Edinburgh's Gorgie Road on 9 July 2024 - unaware that the owner's 16-year-old son was in the back watching videos on his phone.

Malone, 29, drove off but a few minutes later allowed the distressed teenager to get out. He was then seen driving erratically, "fish-tailing" out of control, going into the path of a bus and hitting another car, leaving the Mercedes badly damaged.

PC Adam Brealey had leaned into the car at a petrol station in a bid to stop Malone but he drove off. Soon after, the officer was driven into a vehicle at a pump.

Malone had earlier admitted charges of attempted murder, dangerous driving and abduction.

The High Court in Glasgow heard how Brealey had positioned his vehicle at the Shell petrol station in Stenhouse Road to stop Malone getting away.

Nicola Gilchrist, prosecutor, said that when the officer leaned into the car it almost cost him his life.

"PC Brealey grasped Malone's hands. He struggled and failed to comply with instructions to stop the engine," she said.

"The officer activated his emergency radio signal as Malone began reversing.

"PC Brealey has limited recollection thereafter and next recalls being on the ground."

The court heard that Malone, from Edinburgh, had driven the Mercedes forward and hit into another vehicle near a petrol pump.

Gilchrist said: "PC Brealey remained leaning into the driver's window during this manoeuvre.

"Malone then drove between two cars at adjacent fuel pumps striking a second vehicle."

The officer also hit one of those vehicles and slumped to the ground.

The prosecutor added: "Malone continued towards the exit, collided with a pole, attempted to unsuccessfully reverse and then exited the vehicle fleeing on foot.

"He was pursued by a member of the public and other officers before being apprehended nearby."

PC Brealey was taken to hospital and had to stay off work for 12 months. On his return he had to go onto restricted duties.

As of December 2025, the officer continued to have reduced movement in his right shoulder.

It emerged during Friday's hearing that Malone already had more than 30 previous convictions, including for offences against the police.

Marco Guarino, defending, told the court: "It is quite clear, in the cold light of day, that he has found it very difficult to come to terms with the fact that he caused a police officer to be badly hurt.

"For the grace of God, it was not worse."

As well as the jail-term, Lord Renucci also ordered Malone to be supervised for a further three years on his release and banned him from driving for 13 years and six months.

The judge described the crimes as "shocking and reprehensible".

"Members of the public and police officers, who risk their lives, deserve to be protected by the behaviour exhibited by you," he told Malone.