A motorist who struck an on-duty Police Community Support Officer with his car while under the influence of Cocaine, has pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Muhammed Hussain, 41, admitted the offence when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court today (Tuesday, June 14).
The incident happened on the A6 Leicester Road shortly after 8.15pm on October 4 last year. PCSO Rita Purkayastha – who was riding a bicycle and is based in the town – suffered serious head injuries after being struck by Hussain’s Kia Carens. Help was immediately provided by nearby members of the public and colleagues until emergency services arrived.
Hussain, of Toothill Road in Loughborough, was subject to a drug-wipe at the scene, which identified a substance present in his system, resulting in his arrest. At court today, he also pleaded guilty to one count of driving under the influence of drugs – identified as cocaine – and driving without insurance.
PCSO Purkayashtha is undergoing rehabilitation at a specialist neuro-rehab unit.
Detective Constable Paul Hicks, from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: “Firstly, I want to thank those people nearby who came to Rita’s aid immediately following the collision. While she is still receiving hospital treatment, she is in a stable condition.
“By driving under the influence of drugs, Hussain clearly showed no regard for the safety of other road users. However, his decision to take such a risk resulted in extremely serious consequences.
“We, as a force, take a zero-tolerance approach to drugs and I hope this case will serve as a warning to other motorists who think it’s acceptable to drive while under the influence.”
Hussain will be sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on Friday, August 12.
