Ashley Charles Pearce jailed after he ran down two police officers during arrest at Davoren Park

A man has been condemned by a judge for driving at and hitting two police officers who have devoted much of their lives to keeping the community safe.

A man who hit two police officers with a car has been condemned for the seriousness of his offending against people who have “devoted” their lives to keeping the community safe.

Ashley Charles Pearce, 30, appeared in the District Court on Wednesday where he was sentenced for running down two police officers during an arrest on October 2, 2021.

He was subsequently charged, and pleaded guilty, to one count of aggravated creating a likelihood of harm and causing harm by dangerous driving.

Judge Kristopher Handshin said Pearce’s offending was “severely serious” and caused irreparable damage to the police officers.

“In addition to the physical injuries …, all three (including a third officer who witnessed the incident) have been profoundly affected by what you did … and regrettably seems that both the physical and psychological wounds you inflicted, will remain with all three of them for some time, if not indefinitely,” he said.

“It is deeply unsettling to hear how three people, who have devoted much of their adult lives, to the tireless and dangerous work performed by police officers, have had their professional and personal lives so deeply impacted by your conduct.”

Pearce was approached by police at a Davoren Park home.

Upon their arrival, Judge Handshin said Pearce got into a Ford Fiesta in the backyard of the property before running down two police officers.

“You ignored the directions that had been given to you and commenced revving the car loudly and spinning the wheels,” he said.

Pearce was approached by police who thought he might be in possession of a firearm. Picture: Roger Wyman

“(One of the detectives) was effectively hemmed in between the vehicle and the side of the house … (the car) struck him to the left thigh, which pushed him off balance and into the side of the house, twisting his right ankle.”

Judge Handshin said Pearce continued driving and subsequently hit a Constable to her left leg as she was running toward the side gate.

“The force of the impact on her left leg caused her to be thrown into the air before falling heavily onto her right arm,” he said.

Judge Handshin said Pearce then got into another car where he was taken to Waterloo before he was arrested.

In sentencing, Judge Handshin said he considered Pearce’s personal circumstances including his history of heavy drug use and his “traumatic childhood”.

“Your upbringing can only be described as disadvantaged, dysfunctional and traumatic for a number of reasons,” he said.

Pearce was sentenced to four years and three months imprisonment with a non-parole period of three years and five months.

The sentence was backdated to October 2, 2021.

Pearce will also be disqualified from holding or obtaining a drivers licence for five years from the time of his release.