A Liverpool judge has granted a suspended sentence to Candace Desilva, who caused permanent injuries to PC Simon Ward. Desilva dragged the officer along a city road in her Range Rover after being stopped for driving under the influence.
The 90-microgram breath test and the Range Rover escape
The incident began around 4:15 p.m. on September 14, 2024, in Liverpool city centre, when PC Simon Ward stopped Candace Desilva for performing an illegal U-turn and using her phone while driving. According to the report, Desilva exhibited slurred speech and glazed eyes, and a subsequent roadside test revealed she had 90 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath—nearly three times the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
While waiting for a female officer to arive for a search, Candace Desilva attempted to flee in her Range Rover. PC Simon Ward tried to stop her by reaching for the ignition keys, but he was dragged along the road as Desilva drove off.. The report says that Desilva repeatedly hit out at PC Simon Ward to dislodge him from the vehicle, causing lacerations to his hand and fingers before he was able to deploy pepper spray.
A 28-month suspended sentence for the sake of four children
Despite admitting to assaulting an emergency worker and causing serious injury by dangerous driving, Candace Desilva avoided immediate incarceration. The judge handed down a 28-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. The court heard that the primary reason for sparing Desilva immediate custody was her role as a mother to four children, two of whom have special needs.
This judicial leniency has drawn sharp criticism from the Merseyside Police Federation. Chris McGlade, the chair of the federation, described the suspended sentence as "disgusting" and argued that such a ruling fails to act as a deterrent for those who would endanger the lives of law enforcement officers.
PC Simon Ward's permanent leg injuries and PTSD
The physical and psychological toll on PC Simon Ward remains severe. As reported, the officer now relies on a crutch to walk and must wear a knee brace due to leg injuries that are feared to be permanent. Beyond the physical trauma,PC Simon Ward is also suffering from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The disparity between the officer's lifelong disability and the defendant's suspended sentence highlights a growing tension in the UK legal system. While the court focused on the domestic stability of Candace Desilva, the victim is left to manage a permanent impairment to his mobility and mental health.
Chris McGlade's warning on the 10-minute assault cycle
The case is part of a broader,alarming trend of violence against law enforcement in the United Kingdom. Chris McGlade of the Merseyside Police Federation noted that a police officer in the UK is assaulted every 10 minutes, suggesting that the justice system "needs to have a good hard look at itself" regarding the support and protection provided to officers.
This pattern of violence suggests a diminishing respect for the authority of the police, where the risks of the job are compounded by judicial outcomes that officers perceive as overly lenient. the Merseyside Police Federation argues that without stricter sentencing, the safety of "the protectors" remains compromised.
The Royal College of Physicians' diversity rep and the 'nothing' defense
Adding a layer of professional irony to the case is Candace Desilva's role as an accounts officer and the "lead diversity inclusion and belonging rep" at the Royal College of Physicians. in this capacity,Desilva is tasked with fostering welcoming environments and serving on the Gender Pay Action Group,yet her own behavior during the arrest involved resisting officers and claiming, "I've done nothiing," despite the evidence of the assault.
Several critical questions remain unanswered following the verdict. It is unclear whether the Royal College of Physicians intends to retain Candace Desilva in her diversity and inclusion role following her admission of these crimes. Furthermore, the report does not specify if the court considered the long-term economic and professional impact on PC Simon Ward when weighing the "hardship" of the defendant's children against the officer's permanent disability.
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