Driver who rammed police in escape bid jailed

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.