A MAN who smashed into the side of a police car during a city centre police chase, before crashing into a wall and fleeing the scene on foot, has been jailed.
Joseph Andrews deliberately drove a “dirty and tatty looking” Renault Laguna into a patrol car on September 19 last year, just hours after hitting another car and also a house in the New Forest.
- Axe and pepper spray used to stop dangerous driver during police chase
- 'I always drink and drive but I get away with it': Man caught four times drink drive limit
While attempting to flee officers in the stolen vehicle, the 27-year-old then mounted the pavement at the junction of the Avenue and Avenue Road.
When police finally caught him, loud music was said to be blaring from the car.
The court heard that Andrews of Verulam Road was abusive on arrest and even complained “those are my tunes” when officers turned off the sound system.
Prosecution barrister, Unyime Davies told how he had been on “somewhat of an offending spree”.
Ms Davies told the court that Andrews had been spotted earlier in the day driving into the brickwork of a house in Main Road, Dibden Purlieu.
He then reversed and drove into the garage.
Another man “flagged down” police just 15 minutes later to report that Andrews had collided with his vehicle twice on Spicers Hill and failed to stop.
He appeared a Southampton Crown Court charged with aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, criminal damage and a single count of burglary.
It was also heard that on January 22 last year, he stole a Saints season ticket and personal property from a woman and her mother as they slept at their home in Cobbett Road.
He pleaded guilty to all charges.
In total, Andrews has 21 convictions which include burglaries and taking vehicles without consent.
Defending, Lucy Conroy told the court how her client had a history of mental health issues and problems with substance abuse.
She argued for the judge to impose a suspended sentence and said that Andrews is a young man who clearly has difficulties.
Judge Richard Smith jailed him for 41 months and disqualified him from driving for three years and eight months.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article