A DANGEROUS driver who was pursued by a police helicopter after he refused to stop for officers claimed he had to drive home because he missed the last train.

Matthew Holmes, 45, said he “borrowed” his friend’s Mercedes Sprinter on March 26, despite the fact he was serving a driving ban imposed just weeks earlier.

Officers spotted Holmes in London Road, Stanway, and decided to follow the defendant before pursuing him under blue lights when they found the vehicle did not have a valid MOT.

Holmes then drove on to the kerb and performed a U-turn, sparking a 45-minute chase through Stanway, West Bergholt and several other villages in an attempt to lose officers, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Pursuit – police followed Matthew Holmes after he was spotted driving a Mercedes Sprinter in London Road, StanwayPursuit – police followed Matthew Holmes after he was spotted driving a Mercedes Sprinter in London Road, Stanway (Image: Google Street View)

Recorder Richard Conley said Holmes “used the vehicle as a weapon” when he rammed into a police car eight times.

Charles Judge, prosecuting, said Holmes caused the van “to become airborne” when he sped over a level crossing and landed with such impact that sparks flew from underneath the vehicle.

Police then called in a 'pursuit-trained' driver to lead the chase as Holmes led officers down single-track roads, frequently switching his lights off.

With the chase showing no sign of stopping, officers contacted the National Police Air Service, which sent a helicopter to follow Holmes.

After reaching a dead end near a church yard, Holmes leapt out of the vehicle and was pursued on foot before he finally gave up and was arrested.

Officers found cannabis when they searched his address.

Holmes, of Glisson Square, Colchester, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to stop for the police, driving without insurance, and possession of cannabis.

Prison – Matthew Holmes was jailed for 14 monthsPrison – Matthew Holmes was jailed for 14 months (Image: Essex Police)

Katherine Higgs, mitigating, said Holmes had borrowed the van from a friend after he missed the last train back to Sudbury, where he was then living, and did not intentionally ram into the police cars.

But Recorder Conley said: “I don’t accept your explanation you borrowed this large goods vehicle to get home because you missed the last train – it is unworthy of belief.

“The act makes no sense whatsoever.”

Holmes was jailed for 14 months and banned from driving for five years upon his release.

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