A Bradford judge has called for stiffer sentencing powers after hearing of whiplash injury suffered by police during a car chase in the Yorkshire town last week.
The man, who was caught after 17 minutes, pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving. Sentencing, the judge said, "I point out for the benefit of the public the maximum sentence permitted for a plea of guilty in the first instance is 16 months in custody which is no way long enough."
During the chase, the man deliberately reversed into a police car, causing it to collide with an officer behind; when later boxed in by police vehicles, his 4x4 car crashed through the police vehicle ahead of the car and collided with one to the side, causing personal injury to police officers in both cases.
The prosecuting lawyer detailed driving offences including jumping red lights, crossing on to the wrong side of the road, and endangering pedestrians. Fortunately, the only people known to have received personal injury are the two police officers who complained of whiplash injury. It has not been reported that they intend to make resulting compensation claims.
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