Disqualified driver jailed after ramming police car

The damaged police car at the scene of the collision

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A disqualified driver, who injured a police officer after ramming a stolen Land Rover into a patrol car, has been jailed for three years and banned from driving for three years.

Lee Littlehales, 35, of Albert Royds Street, Rochdale, appeared at Preston Crown Court on Thursday (9 February) after pleading guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and section 47 assault.

Littlehales admitted stealing the vehicle from a 68-year-old man around 6.30pm on Wednesday 24 August, after it had been left with the keys in the ignition on the A59 at Gisburn. Police were contacted and the vehicle was spotted by Road Policing Officer PC Steve O’Boyle on the A56 Accrington Easterly Bypass at the junction of the A680.

PC O’Boyle continued to follow the vehicle using his lights and sirens as it travelled along the A680 towards Accrington. Without warning the car then turned around and intentionally rammed into the police car on Belgrave Street before the offender made off down a back alley towards the Hollands Pies factory. PC O Boyle, who suffered whiplash and back injuries, chased the suspect on foot through the grounds of the factory where he and a security officer, managed to detain and arrest Littlehales.

Officer in the case Sgt John Wharton said: “Not only did Littlehales put other motorists and members of the public at risk but he intentionally drove into a police car in an attempt to escape.

“Despite his injury, PC O’Boyle continued to pursue the suspect on foot which led to his arrest and successful conviction at court.

“It was fortunate no one was seriously injured as a result of Littlehale’s dangerous driving and I welcome the sentence he has been given.

“Incidents such as this are rare but when they do occur, the police will do everything within their power to identify offenders and bring them to justice.”