Danger Hartlepool driver reversed into two police cars causing £20,000 damage and injuring three officers

Connor Pounder reversed into the two police vehicles in his attempt to throw them off his tail in the incident a judge described as “absolutely terrifying” and said he was lucky he did not kill anyone.

The 24-year-old drove at speeds of up to 80mph through a 40mph zone, went through multiple red lights, the wrong way round a roundabout and drove at speed through residential areas, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The court heard Pounder panicked when he was seen by police on Oxford Road on July 7 because the large sporty Volvo he had recently bought was uninsured.

Uzma Khan, prosecuting, said: “In effect this vehicle despite the first [police] vehicle activating its emergency lights and siren continued driving at high speeds.”

The chase continued on roads including Cornwall Street, Stockton Road, the A689, the Usworth Industrial Estate, Seaton Lane and Tofts Farm industrial estate.

“He was pursued through residential areas; no consideration for other road users,” said Ms Khan.

"He continued to accelerate away from the officers before eventually is involved in him ramming the police officer’s vehicle.”

Another police vehicle was put out of action after hitting a kerb during the chase while a third followed Pounder to Tofts Road where he again reversed into the police causing a ‘concertina effect’ to its bonnet and showering it with glass from Pounder’s shattered rear windscreen.

Three officers suffered whiplash and the damage to the two rammed police cars was £19,855.

Pounder, of Speeding Drive, Hartlepool, tested positive for cocaine at the roadside.

He admitted dangerous driving and no insurance.

Stephen Constatine, defending, said Pounder, an unemployed roofer, had dealt with a sensitive issue by misusing drugs and alcohol, but has since taken steps to address it.

He said: “Your Honour is dealing with a very contrite young man who behaved very foolishly. He’s shocked himself at his behaviour.”

The court also heard Pounder’s partner is expecting twins.

Recorder Craig Hassall said it was “a sustained course of terrifyingly dangerous driving” but he was prepared to suspend prison.

Pounder was given 12 months suspended for 18 months, banned for 18 months and 160 hours unpaid work.

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