A police officer yesterday told of his shock after a motorist died within minutes of being dragged out of his car on to the street.

Pc John Shatford, 32, helped remove 26-year-old Robin Goodenough from the driver's seat and put him in handcuffs, the Old Bailey heard yesterday.

He claimed he did not realise Mr Goodenough had been hurt during the arrest in September 2003 and thought he was only 'high on butane'.

But Mr Goodenough suffered a heart attack at the scene in Alma Place, Oxford, and had to be taken to hospital in an ambulance. Pc Shatford said they heard the news the suspect could die a few minutes later.

He said: "One of them said 'He's not breathing,' but a few moments ago he had been. It was almost like you don't believe what they are saying.

"I was shocked. They said he may well die and I didn't understand why."

Pc Shatford said he had opened the car door and ordered the driver to get out to prevent him driving off.

Mr Goodenough landed face first on the floor and Pc Shatford said he handcuffed him and then propped him up against his legs.

Pc Robin Shane, 31, admits punching Mr Goodenough twice in the face but claimed it was a lawful 'distraction blow.' An investigation later revealed Mr Goodenough, of Brampton Road, Barton, Oxford, was at risk of sudden death because of his addiction to inhaling butane gas.

Both Pc Shane and Pc Shatford deny assault occasioning actual bodily harm, claiming claim they were acting in lawful self defence and feared Mr Goodenough would drive the car at their colleagues.

The trial continues.