Police ScotlandA driver who dragged two police officers along a Highland road with her car after they had pulled her over has been jailed for 18 months.
Lauren Baird, 43, of Aberdeen, was being asked why her vehicle was not insured when she had a “moment of panic” and drove away.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that the male and female officers were lucky to escape serious injury in the incident, which was captured in dashcam footage.
Baird, a mother-of-two, was jailed after earlier admitting to culpable and reckless conduct to the danger of the officers’ lives.
She also admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice by giving police false details, and attempting to conceal the vehicle she was driving while having no licence or insurance.
Sheriff Sara Matheson accused Baird of “appalling behaviour”, and said it was down to luck the officers’ injuries were not worse than they were.
The officers were treated at Inverness’ Raigmore Hospital for grazing, bruises, an injured knee and a staved finger.
The female officer needed the use crutches for a time.
Baird was stopped on 10 July 2023 on the B9152 road between Kincraig and Rotheimurchas, near Aviemore.
The court heard that the officers narrowly avoided being dragged under the wheels of her car when she sped off.
Natalie Paterson, representing Baird, told the court that it had been a moment of panic, and she had not foreseen the “terrible consequences” of her actions, which she fully regretted.
Baird, who was visibly upset when she appeared in court, was also disqualified from driving for 43 months.
Following sentencing, Police Scotland said it welcomed Baird’s conviction.
Supt Andrew Barclay said: “Whilst neither officer sustained serious physical injury her behaviour was very dangerous and has had a significant affect on those officers involved.
“A police officer’s job, by its very nature, often means they can find themselves dealing with volatile and dangerous situations to protect the communities we serve.
“It is totally unacceptable for officers to be put in harms way or injured by the irresponsible actions of others.”
He added: “We will take necessary action with those who deliberately put an officer’s life in danger, as today’s verdict confirms.”
