Driver who rammed police in escape bid jailed

A banned driver who, in an attempt to flee officers, rammed a police van and a car containing four elderly people has been jailed for a year and four months.

Aaron Drummond drove at up to 50mph in a 30mph zone and 80mph on a 60mph road in two different incidents near Darlington in May and June, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The 25-year-old was banned from driving in 2016 but has since been caught behind the wheel at least 10 times, the court heard.

Drummond admitted two counts of dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.

The court heard police spotted a Ford Fiesta pulled up at Great Burdon in Darlington at about 21:10 BST on 13 May.

Drummond, of no fixed abode, emerged from a bush, spotted the police and jumped through the open passenger seat door shouting at the driver to "go, go, go", prosecutors said.

As the vehicle sped away, Drummond swapped seats with the driver and headed down the wrong side of the A66 having previously reached 50mph in a 30mph area, the court heard.

His driving was so dangerous police decided to end their pursuit, the court heard, but they kept an eye out for him in the following days and weeks.

On 7 June, an officer spotted a van linked to Drummond in a layby at High Coniscliffe and called for other police vehicles to attend.

As the officers pulled up, Drummond drove his van on to a grass verge, causing one officer to dive out of the way, and smashed into a police van.

He raced off at speeds reaching 80mph, at one point heading into oncoming traffic, the court heard.

Drummond then rammed into the back of a car containing four elderly people, one of whom was cut by flying glass, prosecutors said.

After the crash Drummond attempted to flee on foot but was taken down by a Taser.

Police found a woman in the back of the van without a seat or seatbelt, the court heard.

Judge Nathan Adams said that was "irresponsible and dangerous of Drummond who had chose to "cause significant risk to the life of others rather than simply face up to the consequences" of his previous offending.

The judge said Drummond had an "appalling record" of ignoring court orders having been persistently caught driving when he was not legally able to do so.

"The court must be getting tired of telling you you are not to go behind the wheel of a vehicle."

Drummond was banned from driving for a further 44 months and must pass an extended test.

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