A MAN rammed a patrol car during a police chase claiming it was an accident.

Darren Cooper led police on a chase while driving a blue Mazda, a court heard.

The 41-year-old was spotted in New Road, Fawley, but failed to stop when a police car switched on its blue lights.

He later reversed the car and rammed into the patrol car before speeding along Blackfield Road.

Prosecution barrister, Catherine Donnelly, told how Cooper eventually fled from the vehicle on foot.

But, when a police officer ran after him telling him to stop, he threatened him verbally.

Cooper, of Studley Avenue, Holbury had been disqualified at the time for 18-months for drug driving.

He had been convicted just days before at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

Appearing before Southampton Crown Court he was charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and without insurance, and obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty.

He pleaded guilty on the basis he had put the car into reverse accidentally, and that he was unfamiliar with the Mazda which he claimed was his friend’s.

Defending, Emily Lanham said: “He is incredibly remorseful, and he will take his punishment whatever that may be.”

She argued for the judge to suspend any custodial sentence and mentioned that Cooper had been diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder

She added: “It seems that drugs are at the foundation [of his offending].”

Judge Nicholas Rowland jailed him for six months, suspended for two years.

He was disqualified for two years and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work. He will also be subject to a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement.