A JURY has been sent home for the night after failing to reach verdicts today on a man accused of attempting to murder a police officer by running him over with his own car.

Ricky Hales, 20, has denied the charge and an alternative of causing PC Guy Miller grievous bodily harm with intent. He admits aggravated vehicle taking and handling stolen goods.

Maxwell Lancaster, 18, denied aggravated vehicle taking but was convicted by the jury. He has admitted two robberies and possessing an imitation firearm and will be sentenced at the Old Bailey for all offences on July 14.

Mr Hales, who does not hold a driving licence, is accused of deliberately mowing down the 34-year-old Maidstone traffic policeman as he tried to escape at Kings Hill, near West Malling, on December 10 last year.

Mr Hales, of Deptford, South East London, had failed to stop at a police check on the M20/M25 Swanley interchange when riding a stolen motorcycle with Lancaster, of Catford, South East London, on the pillion.

PC Miller gave chase in his Volvo car at speeds reaching 150mph before cornering Mr Hales on the Kings Hill estate. But Mr Hales managed to escape and he and Lancaster got into the police car, which had the keys in the ignition.

The officer tried to stop Mr Hales and suffered multiple injuries when the car reversed over him. He was on the critical list and not expected to survive. He gave evidence from a wheelchair.

Mr Hales claimed he did not deliberately run down PC Miller but panicked in an attempt to get away. He said he did not know the officer was behind the car when he reversed.

The jury will continue deliberations tomorrow.