Pc Guy Miller has not been well enough to attend the trial

Ricky Hales, 19, from Deptford, denies the attempted murder of Pc Guy Miller and causing grievous bodily harm with intent to avoid arrest.

Pc Miller was injured when he was hit by his own patrol car in December 2003.

The defence QC told jurors they could only find Mr Hales guilty if they were sure he meant to kill the officer.

'Brave and determined'

The incident happened in Kings Hill, near West Malling, on 10 December.

Maidstone Crown Court has heard that Pc Miller was trying to arrest Mr Hales and another suspect after Mr Hales drove a stolen motorbike at high speed.

The trial has heard that Mr Hales then reversed Pc Miller's patrol car over him.

The defendant has admitted handling a stolen motorbike and taking the police car.

In court on Tuesday Mr Hales' QC Paul Lewis described Pc Miller as "brave and determined in the performance of his duties".

He said Mr Hales behaviour had been "appalling".

But he told the jurors they should not let emotion or sympathy for the officer, who is still in a wheelchair and is too ill to attend the trial, to cloud their judgment.

A second defendant, 18-year-old Maxwell Thomas Lancaster, from Catford, denies aggravated vehicle-taking and allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle - the police car.

The trial continues.