Footage shows driver ram police car near Mansfield before crashing into trees
New footage has been released which shows the moment a runaway driver rams a police car in a desperate bid to escape. Andrew James was driving a stolen Ford Fiesta in Mansfield on Friday, October 27, when he was intercepted by police.[1][2][3] The vehicle was travelling on false plates after it had been taken from South Yorkshire the month prior, and officers began to follow it.
The 47-year-old drove the car along Southwell Road West before turning onto a narrow section of Old Newark Road, a dirt track popular with dog walkers. He drove down the track at high speed, and then reversed into the police vehicle, causing the driver to hit his head. James then drove towards the Bellamy Road estate but lost control and crashed into a tree.
Nottinghamshire Police have now released footage of the incident. Thanks to footage from a police aircraft that was called to assist, officers were able to prove that James was alone in the car. He pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.
He appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, January 8, and was jailed for 20 months.