Man who drove at police officer jailed

A man who drove at a police officer while trying to evade arrest in Scarborough has been jailed for 14 months.

Harrison Douglas Long, 35, of no fixed address, was sentenced at York Crown Court on Thursday after admitting dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

North Yorkshire Police said Long was wanted by another force when officers spotted him driving a white van in Scarborough on 28 July.

Det Con Alfie Thomlinson said: "Thankfully, the officer involved escaped injury, but it could have ended very differently that day."

Police said an officer in an unmarked car followed Long into a courtyard off Somerset Terrace and ordered him to stop.

Instead, Long drove towards the officer and his vehicle, narrowly missing him as he attempted to squeeze between the unmarked police car and a member of the public's vehicle.

During the manoeuvre, Long crashed into the civilian car, pushing it across the car park, causing damage, and also damaged the police vehicle, before fleeing the scene.

North Yorkshire Police said officers later tracked him down after he was spotted travelling as a passenger in another vehicle.

The car was stopped at Crambeck, near Malton, and Long was arrested. He was charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Long previously appeared at York Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to all three offences.

Police said the member of the public's vehicle was written off because repair costs were too high.

The unmarked police vehicle also required extensive repairs and was off the road for a prolonged period.

Det Con Thomlinson of Scarborough CID, said: "Long made a significant attempt to get away from a police officer carrying out his lawful duty.

"The 14-month custodial sentence and two-year driving ban is a welcome outcome."

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