Worksop man crashed into police car and put members of public at risk with dangerous driving

Officers from the Worksop Neighbourhood team spotted James Rae, of Gladstone Street in Worksop, driving a blue Ford Mondeo in heavy traffic on Ryton Street at around 12.25pm on March 6 2020.

Knowing the 25-year-old was a disqualified driver, they attempted to open the driver’s door but instead, Rae forcefully reversed the car he was driving into the police car causing damage. He then made off through the traffic narrowly missing other vehicles and pedestrians.

Rae was located at a property on Sandy Lane as a result of CCTV enquiries and intelligence. He was arrested and subsequently charged.

He pleaded guilty to counts of criminal damage to a police car, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance during his remand hearing. He was also convicted of dangerous driving at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (16 July) having denied the offence and was sentenced on the same day.

As well as the prison sentence, he was also disqualified from driving for three years, seven months.

Neighbourhood Police Constable Dean Fenton said: "Rae committed such a violent act when he tried to evade officers that day and he put members of the public at risk.

"We're glad officers caught him and that he's now been held to account for his crimes.

"People should be able to use our streets without any fear and so we have a zero tolerance towards any dangerous driving incident."