Two undercover detectives from the stolen car squa

Two undercover detectives from the stolen car squad fell prey
to a pair of gunmen running a ‘scam,’ a court heard.

Tipped off by car dealers who realised there was ‘something
dodgy’ about an expensive BMW advertised for sale the officers set
about trapping the suspected car thieves.

But the plan backfired at a rendezvous to arrange the would
be sale, an Old Bailey jury was told.

One officer went to knock at the door of the prospective
seller in Grosvenor Avenue, Highbury, while his colleague re
mained with their car.

But as Det Con David Cade, 45, lifted his briefcase from the
boot of the vehicle, two gunmen raced across the road toward him,
alleged prosecutor Mr David Spens.

Det Con Cade dropped the briefcase – which far from containing
thousands of pounds in cash had just a pair of handcuffs inside –
back into the car and tried to reach his radio.

‘But before he could call for assistance he was grabbed and
pushed against the open door,’ said counsel.

One of the gunmen, alleged to be Jamie Dewar, 25, held a gun
to the officer’s head and said: ‘We know you have the money, give
it to us and you won’t get shot.

‘
Dewar repeated his demand as the second gunman held his gun
in the officer’s side, alleged Mr Spens.

Then he revealed to his attackers he was a policeman and that
there was no money.

The second robber, not before the court,
grabbed the case from inside the car and as he did so Det Con Cade
felt the gun move from his side.

Seizing the opportunity he bravely pushed Dewar’s gun hand
away, put him in a neck-lock and locked his elbow in such a way
that it ensured the gun was pointing away from him.

‘There was a pretty desperate struggle, the result was that
Mr Cade was unable to maintain his hold on the gun hand and Dewar
managed to move it back to the officers head,’ continued Mr
Spens.

‘The officer felt something brush against the side of his
head and then heard a click from the gun.

In fact the gun did
not go off.

‘
The second man pointed his gun at the policeman who tried to
protect himself by using Dewar as a shield.

At about the same time his colleague, Det Sgt James
Baldwin, who had been talking at the door of a nearby houseas the
address given by the bogus seller, realised what was happening
rushed to help.

But as he ran across the road the second gunman ran at him
pointing his gun.

Det Sgt Baldwin managed to get to Dewar and grabbed
the gun from him.

‘A violent struggle then ensued between Cade and Dewar.

Whilst
they were involved the second man came within six feet of
Baldwin saying: ”Let him go.

Let him go or I will kill you.

”
‘Dewar was imploring the second man not to leave him alone at
the scene.

The second man backed off a little, but then ap
proached and pointed his gun directly at the officer,’ said
counsel.

Det Sgt Baldwin had seized Dewar’s weapon, pointed it at the
second man, identified himself and warned: ‘Back off.

‘
The second man then ran off leaving Dewar struggling franti
cally.

Both officers ‘struck him’ in the head and face and eventual
ly he was subdued.

The self-loading automatic gun was later found to contain
four live rounds.

Interviewed later Dewar refused to give his name.

‘Tell me
this, were they police officers?’ he asked.

Told they were he is said to have replied: ‘I’m pleased he
ain’t too hurt.

The one thing I’ve got in my favour, there
weren’t no shots.

‘
He later allegedly said: ‘I am going to plead guilty and do
my bird.

All I want from you is not to stick a shooter up my
parents’ nose.

They are 60 and my brother is handicapped.

I am
bang to rights, leave it at that.

‘
When his address in Dixon Clark Court, Highbury Corner,
Highbury, was later searched a bullet casing was found under a
cushion.

During a second visit to the house in the sitting room skirt
ing board police found a hole, behind which they found a spent
bullet.

Jobless Dewar denies attempting to murder Det Con Cade, having
a firearm with intent to endanger life, having a firearm with
intent to commit an offence and robbery – all on June 1 last year.

The trial continues.

ENDS