A CONSTABLE recalled being thrown about a police car which was turned upside down, a trial heard today.

Passenger PC Scott Stewart, 35, claimed he suffered a concussion following a collision in Glasgow’s Mount Florida on October 27, 2020.

The officer stated that PC Andrew McCrystal was behind the wheel when he collided with a BMW during a pursuit with another vehicle at a junction displaying a red light.

McCrystal is on trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court accused of dangerous driving.

The court heard from PC Stewart who claimed in his evidence that he was in the passenger seat as McCrystal pursued a Skoda initially from the city’s Castlemilk in the early evening.

The officer stated that the Skoda was ahead of their vehicle - which had lights and sirens on - by 50 to 60 yards as they approached a junction with a red light on Dougrie Road and Carmunnock Road.

PC Stewart said that the Skoda went on the opposite side of the carriageway and that McCrystal also did so.

The officer added: “I had no concerns going on the opposite side at the time.

“PC McCrystal was in control of the vehicle and slowed down sufficiently round the corner.”

The officer claimed that McCrystal followed standard procedure at the time and “adjusted to a crawl.”

He added that McCrystal was possibly going over the speed limit.

The officer stated that he was looking down at his PDA at approach to another red light junction when he noticed a blue bonnet coming from his left hand side.

Prosecutor Josh Dowie asked what action McCrystal took.

He replied: “I shouted something like ‘watch, watch’ and my next recollection was being involved in a collision.”

Mr Dowie then asked if McCrystal adjusted his speed at the traffic light which the witness replied: “I’m not sure.”

Mr Dowie askeds: “If the vehicle was slowed to a crawl would that have given an opportunity to avoid each other?”

PC Stewart replied: “Yes.”

The officer described hearing a “loud noise” at the start of the collision.

He added: “I was thrown around the car.

“I believe the car had been turned upside down.”

The witness claimed he and his colleagues were helped out the car by an off-duty officer.

He stated that there was “severe damage” to both vehicles.

PC Stewart said he was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with a concussion as well as minor burn to his arm.

Mr Dowie asked on the second occasion if the driver adjusted to a crawl which the officer replied: “No.”

Callum Anderson, defending, asked if it was possible McCrystal was breaking at the junction which the witness replied: “Possibly.”

The trial continues before Sheriff Jonathan Guy at the end of the month.