A man who rammed a police car has been sentenced to more than a year in jail.

Daniel Seymour, of Southend, but living at no fixed abode, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday, January 11.

He was handed a 16 month jail term for dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and driving without insurance.

He was also disqualified from driving for five years, with an additional eight months as the vehicle was deemed to have been used as a potential weapon.

This followed an incident in Ashburnham Road, Southend, on November 24 of last year. The 39-year-old was driving a silver BMW, when he rammed three vehicles and a police car which had attempted to stop him.

Two officers were forced to dive out of the way, as the BMW collided with the vehicles and sped off.

Mr Seymour was subsequently arrested.

Pc Dean Young from Southend police station, who led the investigation, said: “This was a very serious matter. The defendant showed no regard for the safety of the public who were innocently going about their daily lives, nor for police officers trying to perform their lawful duties.

“Mr Seymour clearly posed a risk to the public and officers, and we welcome this sentence.

“It is a positive result and shows that offenders will be dealt with robustly.”