Man Jailed for Horrific Hit-and-Run That Crippled Met Police Officer in Ipswich
Drunk Driver Leaves Officer Fighting for Life
Carl Horsnell, 32, has been locked up for causing devastating injuries to a serving Metropolitan Police officer in a hit-and-run crash on Burrell Road, Ipswich. The victim, a woman in her 30s, suffered life-threatening head trauma, a fractured spine, and serious leg injuries after Horsnell smashed his silver BMW into her and fled the scene.
Multiple Charges After Police Chase and Arrest
Horsnell didn’t just face charges for dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty to:
- Driving without insurance
- Driving without a valid licence
- Failing to stop after an accident
- Driving over the alcohol limit
- Refusing a Class A drug test
He denied assaulting a police officer, but that charge was left on file. Police caught Horsnell about 90 minutes after the crash near Cambridge Drive, where he tried to dodge officers. Breath tests revealed his alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit at 74 microgrammes per 100ml of breath.
Dashcam and CCTV Prove Reckless Driving
Thanks to footage from local CCTV and public dashcams, authorities saw Horsnell speed through red lights, ignore traffic signals, and perform dangerous overtakes – all while on a video call. His phone was seized and confirmed he was distracted when he crashed. Horsnell is banned from driving for seven years.
Police Speak Out on Crushing Impact
“Horsnell showed zero regard for public safety, driving drunk, reckless and distracted,” said Alex Matthews from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit. “He fled the scene after the collision and showed no remorse for the horrific injuries he caused.”
Detective Chief Inspector Anna Deighton added: “The loss of Tara’s laughter and spirit has left a void that cannot be described. She was beloved by family, friends, and colleagues.”
Police Appeal for Witnesses
The police continue hunting for drivers with dashcam footage from Ipswich between 7am and 7.30am on 11 December 2025. Anybody with information is urged to contact the Joint Norfolk & Suffolk Serious Collision Investigation Unit, quoting reference 37/70165/25.
