Man Admits Attempted Murder of Police Officer with Stolen Vehicle
A man has admitted to attempting to murder a police officer using a stolen car that initially contained a teenager he had unknowingly abducted, a court heard.
Thomas Malone, 29, tried to kill PC Adam Brealey during an incident at the Shell Garage on Stenhouse Road in Edinburgh on 9 July 2024.
Earlier, Malone had stolen a silver Mercedes Benz from outside a burger shop on Gorgie Road, where the driver had left the car parked to buy food.
Unaware that the man's 16-year-old son was in the back seat watching videos on his phone, Malone drove off with the vehicle.
Teenager Abducted Unknowingly
At the High Court in Edinburgh, prosecutor Nicola Gilchrist told Judge Lord Renucci:
"The passenger challenged the accused and instructed him to exit the vehicle.
"The accused then stated 'We are going for a drive' and drove away."
The court heard Malone released the teenager a few moments later. The boy was found "distressed, crying and in shock."
Dangerous Driving Through Edinburgh
Gilchrist described how Malone drove dangerously through the streets of Edinburgh, frequently crossing into the opposite lane. On one occasion, he drove into the path of a bus and also collided with another car.
A witness reported to police that the stolen Mercedes was "fishtailing," a condition where the rear wheels lose traction causing the vehicle to swerve side to side uncontrollably.
Witnesses alerted police after seeing the Mercedes with significant front-end damage, including a "crumpled bonnet."
Police Officer Attempts to Apprehend Suspect
The court heard that PC Adam Brealey was driving a police BMW when he spotted the Mercedes parked at the garage. He parked his vehicle to prevent Malone from escaping and attempted to detain him.
Gilchrist said:
"PC Brealey grasped Malone's hands but he struggled and failed to comply with instructions to stop the engine."
"PC Brealey activated his emergency radio signal as the accused began reversing."
The prosecutor added that PC Brealey had limited recollection after this point and next recalled being on the ground.
As Malone moved the vehicle forward, it collided forcefully with the car positioned in front at the fuel pump while PC Brealey remained leaning into the driver's window.
Malone then drove between two vehicles at adjacent fuel pumps, striking a second vehicle on its rear and passenger side. The police officer also hit the vehicle and fell to the ground.
"The accused continued towards the exit, collided with a pole, attempted to unsuccessfully reverse and then exited the vehicle and fled on foot,"
Gilchrist said.
Malone was pursued by a member of the public and police officers and was apprehended nearby.
Aftermath and Charges
PC Brealey was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Hospital and was released after treatment for his injuries.
Malone, who is from Edinburgh, pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and abduction.
He is scheduled to be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on 12 May.
Lord Renucci ordered a specialist social worker to prepare a report into Malone's background and remanded him in custody.
