Van thief caused crash after driving wrong way on A1

Buck's Ford Mondeo - which was later discovered to have been on false plates - was initially spotted by police towing a van in Blyth Road, Worksop, about 18:45 BST on 23 February.

Police said officers observed the two vehicles turning in the road at "excessive speed" and followed them.

The Mondeo then stopped and the van - which police said was stolen - was detached before the car sped off.

Officers said the Mondeo with the 34-year-old at the wheel and three other men inside, was driven at speeds of up to 100mph to the A1 near Blyth before heading southbound on the northbound carriageway.

The car collided with two oncoming vehicles - a Peugeot 208 and a van - a short time later, with the road closed in both directions overnight while investigations took place.

Buck pleaded guilty to theft of a motor vehicle and four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Nottingham Crown Court.

He also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance.

Sgt Barker said: "It must have been terrifying for other drivers to see a car hurtling towards them on the wrong side of the carriageway.

"Three occupants of the Mondeo and the driver of the van suffered extremely serious injuries due to the actions of Buck."