Man jailed for dangerous driving in Sudbury after police officers injured
Josef Zielinski received a four-year sentence for multiple offences
A man who caused injuries to two police officers during a vehicle incident in Sudbury has been sentenced to four years in prison.
Josef Zielinski, a 33-year-old from Arboretum Place in Barking, Greater London, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on 6th February.
Zielinski was stopped by police on 8th November last year after officers received intelligence linking his vehicle to drug supply activities in the area.
Upon being stopped, Zielinski abruptly reversed his car, resulting in a collision with another vehicle and causing minor injuries to two officers.
PC Owen Turner opened the driver’s door before Zielinski reversed, forcing Turner to jump into the vehicle and hold on to the side.
His colleague, PC Steven Coughlan, was knocked over and dragged by the car.
They detained Zielinski, and a search revealed discarded cocaine wraps.
Zielinski pleaded guilty to several charges in December, resulting in his sentencing on the 6th February.
He received two years and nine months for possession with intent to supply cocaine, one year and three months for dangerous driving, and other concurrent sentences for assault and criminal damage.
PC Turner, captured in camera footage during the incident, described the encounter as life-threatening.
He said: "I conduct vehicle stops daily and what I thought would be a simple stop left me thinking that I might die and that my colleague and friend was either seriously injured or dead."
PC Coughlan, who suffered physical injuries, shared his experience of being dragged by the car.
"As I grabbed the door handle, he started to reverse," Coughlan said.
"I was pulled along with the wheel burning through my trousers and through to my knee, however I couldn’t let go as I would have been thrown under the wheel."
Coughlan expressed relief that the outcome was not more severe.
"I’m just really pleased that neither of us were more seriously injured and that we still managed to detain him and bring a successful result for our residents and the force."