Barry driver jailed for ramming police car in Ford Transit

Michael Hobbs, 35, of Llewellyn Street, Barry, was driving a stolen Ford Transit van when he reversed into the officer.

Prosecutor Meirion Davies said the defendant had raced at more than 60mph in 30mph zones throughout the town before he was cornered.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how Hobbs fled from the van after unsuccessfully trying to shunt the police car out of his path.

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He resisted arrest before he was overpowered by the officer after making a “veiled threat” he was armed with a screwdriver.

Hobbs was spotted in the Gwent Police area late on the night of June 29 while at the wheel of the stolen vehicle.

Mr Davies emphasised that the theft of the van had nothing to do with the defendant.

The prosecutor said when police pursued Hobbs through the streets of Barry, the defendant turned off his lights and drove around a roundabout the wrong way.

Hobbs admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving with no insurance and being in breach of a 16-month suspended jail sentence for grievous bodily harm.

The court was told the defendant had 19 previous convictions for 49 offences, including taking a vehicle without consent and drink-driving.

Karl Williams, representing Hobbs, said his client’s best mitigation was his guilty pleas.

Judge Richard Williams told the defendant: “You demonstrated a flagrant disregard for the rules of the road and the safety of others.

“You rammed the police car during your bid to escape. As you were being arrested, you put up a struggle and you told the officer you had a screwdriver in your pocket which was a veiled threat.”

He added: “You have a bad record.”

Judge Williams jailed Hobbs for two years.

He also banned him from driving for four years and ordered him to pay a surcharge upon his release from prison.