Driver who rammed police cars after chase jailed

A driver who ran a red light before ramming his vehicle into police cars then hiding in bushes has been jailed.

Kai Haddington caused £20,000 worth of damage, drove his VW Caddy at excessive speed and also drove the wrong way down one-way streets during the police chase that started on Penistone Road in Sheffield, on 25 April.

Sheffield Crown Court heard that Haddington was eventually arrested by officers after he fled his car and hid in nearby woodland before also refusing to supply a drug and alcohol sample.

The 27-year-old, of Lamb Drive in Sheffield, pleaded guilty to various motoring offences and criminal damage and was sentenced to 14 months in prison.

Haddington was spotted driving through a red light at 23:17 BST on the night of the incident then refused to cooperate with the officers who tried to pull him over, the court was told.

South Yorkshire Police eventually managed to stop him but Haddington then slammed into the police cars, causing "distress" to the officers inside.

The court heard Haddington cried "sorry" and "it's my fault" as he was being arrested by officers but later refused to cooperate again.

He admitted driving without a licence or insurance and driving a motor vehicle dangerously on 27 April and was sentenced on 11 May.

Haddington was also disqualified from driving for 37 months and ordered to take an extended re-test.

PC James Ball, the officer in charge of the case, said: "As roads policing officers, we have sadly experienced first hand the devastation that negligent and reckless drivers cause to innocent people and families.

"The roads are a safer place without Haddington and I am pleased he will now face a custodial sentence for his actions, all of which could have been avoided with responsible driving."

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