Driver who rammed a police car sentenced
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A Leicester man who drove at a police car and was then involved in a pursuit has been sentenced.
On 17 May this year officers carrying out enquiries came across a vehicle they were trying to locate in a car park off Beeby Road in Scraptoft.
They tried to box the vehicle in but the driver, 21-year-old Aspen Williams, drove at the police car, ramming it twice.
Williams then sped off in the grey BMW and officers were authorised to carry out a pursuit of the vehicle.
They followed Williams’ vehicle through Scraptoft – he was driving at excessive speed and ignoring the road restrictions, putting his life and the lives of others at risk.
Eventually after a three-minute pursuit Williams drove into Scraptoft Lane, reversed and tried to ram the police vehicle before he abandoned the car and made off on foot.
After a short foot chase Williams of Buxton Street, Leicester, was arrested nearby.
He appeared at Leicester Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to failing to stop, dangerous driving and driving without insurance.
On Tuesday (10 December), he was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months, 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 120 hours of unpaid work. He was also disqualified from driving for one year and will be required to carry out an extended retest.
Sergeant Steve Jackson from the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) said: “Williams knew exactly what he was doing when he rammed the police car and then drove off. He had no regard for the other road users and drove at double the speed limit, completed inappropriate overtakes and ignored keep left bollards.
“Officers within the unit are highly skilled in their field and are trained to pursue vehicles – sometimes at great speed, putting themselves in danger to reach a safe resolution. We expect an element of risk in our job but when a suspect deliberately drives towards a police car that is totally unacceptable.
“Williams put officer’s lives at risk, and it was lucky no one was injured during the incident. We are pleased he pleaded guilty to the offences.”
Detective Constable James Highton was the investigating officer. He said: “It was clear from Williams actions that he had no qualms in causing damage to the police vehicles and potential injury to the officers in those cars.
“During the interview he answered no comment to all the questions but the evidence against him was strong enough and he had no choice but to plead guilty.”