Ricky Hales was called callous and wreckless by the police

Ricky Hales, 20, from Deptford, south-east London, had denied the charge at Maidstone Crown Court.

Pc Guy Miller was injured when he was hit by his own patrol car in December 2003 in Kings Hill, near West Malling.

Maxwell Thomas Lancaster, 18, from Catford, south-east London, was found guilty of aggravated vehicle-taking. Both men will be sentenced on 27 July.

No driving licence

Pc Miller was trying to arrest the two men after they were seen riding a stolen motorbike at 150mph on a motorway.

The men left the bike after a police chase and there was scuffle after Pc Miller chased them on foot.

The two men were then seen inside the police officer's car with Pc Miller pulling the doors and banging on the rear window to let them know he was there.

Hales, who had no driving licence, reversed the patrol car over the officer.

Pc Guy Miller was left in a coma

After the incident the officer was in a coma for two and a half months.

He will never fully recover from his injuries.

Outside the court Kent Police read a statement on behalf of Pc Miller's wife.

It said: "We are relieved and very pleased at the result of the trial and we hope this is a turning point for us so we can rebuild our lives.

"There have been some very difficult times since the incident last December and there is still a long way to go but now we feel we can move on properly.

"Guy has further operations and much physiotherapy to undergo in coming months but he is doing well and is in good spirits."

The judge commended Pc Miller's actions and said other officers should learn from his example.

Hales, who had admitted handling a stolen motorbike and taking the police car, was warned he faced a substantial sentence.