Martin Harwood, of London Road, Little Compton, Moreton-in-Marsh, had only limited use of his left leg at the time of his offence – during which he tried twice to ram a pursuing police car before smashing through a farm gate to make his getaway, Gloucester Crown Court was told on Tuesday May 16.
His driving aggravated his offence and made an immediate 10-month prison term necessary even though he is due to have his leg amputated, said judge, Recorder Neil Millard.
Prosecutor Neil Treharne said during the early hours of December 1, Harwood was spotted driving by patrol officer PC Gareth Morris on the A44.
“PC Morris spotted a red transit flatbed vehicle without any rear lights illuminated as it passed him,” said Mr Treharne.
“The driver, later identified as Harwood, drove off at speed.
“The flatbed driver was seen to drive erratically through Bourton-on-the-Hill at speeds of 60mph in a 30mph zone.
“Harwood was seen crossing white lines on a bend and narrowly avoided a collision.
“The vehicle weaved through to Moreton travelling at speeds in excess of 70mph.”
At one point, Harwood reversed towards the police vehicle in an attempt to ram it, but the officer reacted quickly and avoided being hit.
Harwood sped off and eventually turned into a farmyard, smashing through the gates, where a passenger jumped out and ran off, before driving through a field still followed by the officer, who was in a 4×4.
The officer abandoned the pursuit but Harwood was later arrested in a caravan at the site.
Alicia Doble, defending, said: “Harwood accepts that by driving dangerously he crosses the custody threshold. However, I submit the sentence could be suspended due to his personal circumstances.
“Harwood has had his driving licence revoked on medical grounds. This is because he has a severe ulcer on his left leg which means it will have to be amputated in the coming weeks.”
Harwood pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and not having a licence or insurance.
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