Scottish Mother Jailed 18 Months After Dragging Two Officers During Police Stop

Lauren Baird, a 43-year-old mother from Aviemore, Scotland, was jailed for 18 months and banned from driving for 43 months after dragging two police officers along the road when she fled at speed following a stop. The officers had challenged her about providing false information, and she attempted to conceal her vehicle and was driving without a license or insurance. One officer managed to detach after a few feet, while the other was dragged several yards and sustained injuries requiring crutches, with the injured officer still not having returned to duty. Sheriff Sara Matheson condemned Baird's actions as appalling, noting the significant psychological impact on the officers and the sheer luck that the injuries were not more severe. Baird expressed regret, claiming she panicked when stopped and did not fully appreciate the consequences. The police also faced difficulties in obtaining Baird's true identity during a prolonged conversation, during which she showed a false photograph and only admitted to staying at a nearby hotel before fleeing arrest.