Man stole car with teen inside and tried to kill police officer at petrol station

A man tried to murder a police officer with a car he had earlier stolen, and which contained a “distressed” teenager who he had unknowingly abducted, a court has heard.

Thomas Malone, 29, attempted to murder the officer during an incident at the Shell Garage in Edinburgh’s Stenhouse Road on July 9, 2024.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Malone had earlier stolen a silver Mercedes-Benz car from outside a burger shop in the Scottish capital’s Gorgie Road.

Malone snuck into the driver’s seat of the parked car, but was unaware the car owner’s 16-year-old son was in the back watching videos on his phone.

Prosecutor Nicola Gilchrist told judge Lord Renucci: “The passenger challenged the accused and instructed him to exit the vehicle.

“The accused then stated, ‘We are going for a drive’, and drove away.”

Ms Gilchrist told the court that Malone pressed the vehicle’s start button, then drove dangerously through Edinburgh streets.

He was seen driving onto the opposite road into the path of a bus, striking one car and driving on.

Witnesses saw that the Mercedes had extensive front-end damage, including a “crumpled bonnet”, and contacted the police.

The PC was driving a police BMW when he saw the Mercedes parked in the garage. He parked his vehicle to stop Malone from getting away and tried to apprehend him.

She added: “[The PC] grasped the accused’s hands. The accused struggled and failed to comply with instructions to stop the engine.

“The PC activated his emergency radio signal as the accused began reversing. He [the officer] has limited recollection thereafter and next recalls being on the ground.

“As the accused moved the vehicle forward, it collided forcefully with the vehicle positioned in front at the fuel pump.

“The PC remained leaning into the driver’s window during this manoeuvre.

“The accused then drove between two vehicles at adjacent fuel pumps, striking a second vehicle to the rear and passenger side.

“The officer also struck that vehicle and fell to the ground.

“The accused continued towards the exit, collided with a pole, attempted to reverse unsuccessfully, and then exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

“He was pursued by a member of the public and attending officers and was apprehended nearby.”

Malone, of Slateford, Edinburgh, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, dangerous driving and abduction charges before Lord Renucci.

Ms Gilchrist told the court that moments after the car was stolen, the teenager asked to be allowed out of the car. Malone slowed the vehicle to a halt and told him to get out.

Lord Renucci heard that the driver and his friend had seen the car being driven away “at speed” with the nearside rear passenger door open. They ran after the car and found the teenager.

Ms Gilchrist said: “He was distressed, crying and in shock.”

Malone was then seen driving erratically and dangerously in the local area.

One witness told police that Malone’s car was “fishtailing” – a situation which occurs when the back wheels lose traction, and the car starts moving side to side, and out of control.

She added: “One witness observed the brake lights flashing repeatedly and witnessed the vehicle continuing without stopping, crossing to the wrong side of the road and driving directly in front of an oncoming bus in what she described as a reckless manoeuvre.”

Witnesses then saw the Mercedes approaching a dark blue Vauxhall Meriva, and it failed to stop and slammed into its rear.

Ms Gilchrist added: “The driver of the struck vehicle said Malone then drove around him without stopping and proceeded onto Slateford Road, swerving into the opposing lane to overtake traffic.

“At the same time, another motorist was driving on Slateford Road in heavy rain and busy traffic.

“While stationery in traffic near a set of lights, he observed the Mercedes overtaking the queue of traffic at speed in the opposing lane.

“He noticed extensive front-end damage to the vehicle, including a crumpled bonnet. He described the driving as highly erratic, with sudden acceleration and braking, and formed the impression that the vehicle was attempting to evade something.

“Due to the manner of driving and visible damage, he contacted the police at 7.07pm.”

Ms Gilchrist said that the police officer was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Hospital and was treated for injuries. He was later released after observation.

Defence solicitor advocate Marco Guarino told the court that he’d reserve his mitigation for his client until a sentencing hearing which will take place later this year.

Lord Renucci ordered a specialist social worker to prepare a report on Malone’s background.

Malone was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh on May 12, 2026.