THE brave actions of a police officer who was dragged 20ft by a vehicle following a robbery have been highlighted following the sentencing of two women.

Pc Paul Marks was off-duty when he spotted a 77-year-old man, from Harlow, being robbed of a three-figure sum of cash inside the Co-Op shop, in Bush Fair, Harlow, on October 12, 2015.

Alice Smith, 31, of Mallows Green, Harlow, ran from the scene with Pc Marks giving chase.

She then jumped into a red BMW being driven by Elaine Cochrane, 40, of Hollyfield, Harlow, who accelerated as Pc Marks grabbed Smith through a car window.

Despite being dragged 20ft and sustaining injuries to his knees and his upper body, Pc Marks managed to take down the number plate of the vehicle and Cochrane and Smith were later arrested.

On Friday, February 17, Cochrane was found guilty of dangerous driving following a trial and was sentenced to 15 weeks in prison and disqualified from driving for 12 months at Chelmsford Crown Court. She was found not guilty of ABH and robbery.

Smith was sentenced to 30 months in prison at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, June 9, 2016, after admitting robbery and two counts of ABH. This sentence was later reduced to two years after she appealed in December 2016.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Leo Fordham said: “Pc Paul Marks instinctively placed himself on duty after witnessing a vulnerable man being robbed of his pension money and bravely gave chase.

“He managed to take note of Cochrane’s number plate despite being dragged 20ft and suffering injuries, the effects of which he is still suffering today.

“Pc Marks’ actions went beyond the call of duty and resulted in two people being brought to justice.”