A DRIVER high on drink and drugs rammed police car during a dramatic high speed chase.
Bradley McCann had taken a cocktail of cocaine, Valium and 41% alcohol when he reversed his green Fiat Punto into the vehicle and injured PC Craig Smith.
The defendant was disqualified and on licence after being released from prison when the pursuit took place during the early hours of the morning of June 19.
McCann was feeling low following the recent death of his father Dominic Peck who lost a testicle after being shot by the police, his barrister Adam Sharpe said.
Alexander Orndal, prosecuting, told Cardiff Crown Court how the defendant sped at 75mph and drove on the wrong side of the road in Barry after police spotted him driving without lights at around 3.20am.
“He then essentially rammed a police vehicle causing an injury to PC Smith’s lower back and damage to the vehicle.
“The defendant appears to have been heavily intoxicated.”
McCann tested positive for cocaine at the roadside but refused to take a drugs test at the police station after becoming “aggressive”.
He also told officers: “I don’t like needles.”
The defendant, of Church Road, Barry pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to provide a specimen and driving without insurance.
He was on licence after being jailed for 40 months for offences which included burglary and aggravated vehicle taking.
Adam Sharpe, mitigating, told the court McCann’s father Mr Peck had died last month.
His barrister added: “The defendant may be 28 years old but he’s still a very troubled and immature young man.
“He acknowledges the stupidity of his actions.”
The judge, Recorder Bruce Gardiner, told McCann: “These offences are so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified.”
The defendant was jailed for 15 months and banned from driving for 49 and a half months.
He must also pay a victim surcharge following his release from prison.
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