A YOUNG thug is today facing a lengthy sentence behind bars after being convicted of attempting to murder a police officer by running him over with his own car.

The jury took five hours 42 minutes to unanimously find Ricky Hales, 20, guilty. He will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on July 27 after the preparation of reports.

Judge Warwick McKinnon paid tribute to the bravery of PC Guy Miller, who almost died after being mown down by his Volvo squad car.

PC Miller’s wife was in court to hear the judge say: “He is a credit and example to every police officer as to how to carry out his duty.”

The judge asked for an update on the condition of the 34-year-old officer. “We saw he has made a miraculous recovery to the extent he was able to come into court, albeit in a wheelchair,” he said. “Is it thought he is going to be able to resume full duties?”

Philip St John-Stevens, prosecuting, said it was not thought he would resume full duties but it was hoped he would walk again.

The traffic cop was left critically injured after the incident and it was at first feared that he would not survive. He has since undergone extensive surgery.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how PC Miller chased Hales after the stolen 1000cc Aprilla motorcycle he was riding failed to stop at a road check on the M20/M25 Swanley interchange on December 10 last year.

With Maxwell Lancaster, 18, on the pillion, Hales, who has never held a driving licence, hit speeds of 150mph in a bid to lose the officer.

He turned off the M20 and went onto the Kings Hill estate at West Malling. He ended up in a dead end in Regent Way, where he and Lancaster came off the motorbike on the muddy road.

PC Miller chased Hales and managed to get one handcuff on his wrist. But the officer slipped and Hales, then 19, was able to escape.

He ran back to the car telling Lancaster to get in. Finding the keys in the ignition, he started the engine and locked his door. PC Miller was trying to stop Hales from driving off when the car reversed over him.

Hales drove over four roundabouts before crashing at the next. He again tried to run off but was caught by another officer.

PC Miller was taken to Maidstone Hospital by air ambulance, where he was critically ill. A surgeon said his chances of survival had been poor.

The married father suffered fractures of the pelvis, left thigh bone, left shinbone, ribs and collarbone, as well as cuts and bruises. He lost 18 litres of blood and needed massive transfusions.

After being in the operating theatre for about seven hours he suffered renal failure. He needed “mechanical support” and was not able to breathe on his own until January 27. He developed infections and his gall bladder had to be removed.

Hales, of Chilton Grove, Deptford, denied attempted murder and an alternative charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, claiming he did not intend to drive over the officer. He admitted aggravated vehicle taking and handling stolen goods.

Lancaster, of Conisborough Crescent, Catford, denied aggravated vehicle taking but was convicted by the jury. He admitted two robberies and possessing an imitation firearm. He will also be sentenced at the Old Bailey.

After Hales was convicted by the jury of eight men and four women, Paul Lewis, QC, defending, said: “He accepts and acknowledges there must be a substantial term of custody.”

Judge McKinnon said: “Plainly, everyone recognises there must be a substantial custodial sentence. I don’t want him to think there is some hope.”

He said of the officer: “I do commend the actions of PC Guy Miller for the fearless and resolute way he carried out his duties on December 10 last year without thought for his own safety or welfare, doggedly pursuing Ricky Hales in circumstances where he was outnumbered.

“I express the hope that his recovery, long though it has been thus far, will continue and he will eventually be able to put this matter behind him and resume normal life.”