AN elderly woman knocked over by a policeman chasing a suspect has won £8000 damages after a sheriff ruled he "ran too fast".

Mary Reilly, 74, was injured in the fall and sued Strathclyde Police.

A sheriff found in her favour when he said PC Scott McCarren - now a sergeant - had been running so fast he had "breached the duty of care" expected of him.

Mary and husband Patrick, 75, of Tollcross, had been out shopping in Westmuir Street, Parkhead, on June 9, 2002.

There was a large crowd on the pavement awaiting an Orange Walk.

At the same time, PC McCarren and PC Alan Hutchinson were called to an attempted car theft in a nearby street.

PC McCarren, 29, ran after one of the suspects into Westmuir Street.

As the 6ft 3in officer - a keen runner - gave chase, he went through the crowd, bumping into the shoulder of 4ft 9in Mary and knocking her over.

PC McCarren didn't realise what had happened and sprinted on as people attended to the stricken OAP.

Mary, who previously had both hips and a kneecap replaced, was taken to hospital.

She was released the next day but developed problems with her nose.

Tests showed she had two fractures which caused chronic ulcers and repeated nosebleeds and an injury to her forehead.

The fall also brought on problems with her right hand, arm and shoulder exacerbated by arthritis.

Glasgow Sheriff Court was told she continued to suffer daily nosebleeds, joint pain and a loss of confidence of being outdoors.

In a written judgment, Sheriff Ian Miller said it was not surprising the officer had no direct recollection of coming into contact with an elderly woman in a crowded street.

But, finding in Mary's favour, he added PC McCarren's "fault and negligence" was to blame for the accident.