A POLICEMAN pleaded for his life as a gunman stood over him and "calmly" shot him in the head, a court heard.
American David Bieber, 38, blasted Pc Ian Broadhurst in the head as he lay injured and screaming on the ground, Newcastle Crown Court was told yesterday.
Mr Robert Smith QC, prosecuting, said Pc Broadhurst's screams for help in Oakwood, Leeds, were picked up on an audio recording in his car. He was heard to say: "Do not shoot me. Please no."
A jury of six men and six women heard how Pc Broadhurst, 34, was killed and another policeman seriously injured.
A third colleague escaped unhurt "only by a miracle", when a bullet hit his radio.
Bieber was stopped in his BMW car last Boxing Day by Pc Broadhurst and Pc Neil Roper, who found the vehicle was stolen.
As arrangements were made to pick up the vehicle and before Bieber could be handcuffed he fired from the back of the police car, said Mr Smith.
He said Bieber had for some years used the name Nathan Wayne Coleman and lived near the scene.
Mr Smith said a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, which Bieber was unlawfully carrying, was used.
Mr Smith said Bieber fired four shots in eight seconds.
The first hit Pc Broadhurst in the chest. The second was fired at Pc Roper as he ran away.
A third shot hit Pc Roper in the shoulder, Mr Smith said.
Both Pc Roper and Pc James Banks, who had arrived to help arrest Bieber, had run from the scene.
As Bieber fled he is said to have threatened a driver at gunpoint and taken his car.
Mr Smith said Bieber was found in a guesthouse in Gateshead, still with a gun. He had a large amount of money and had been planning to flee to France.
Bieber, of Springwood Road, Leeds, denies murder and two counts of attempted murder.
He also denies possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of 200 9mm cartridges.
But he admitted possessing 298 9mm cartridges without a certificate.
The case continues.
