Dangerous driver who rammed police car jailed

Damage caused to a police vehicle after Martin Jobes, 47, rammed it into the central reservation on the A19 during a 40-minute pursuit. Photo credit: Northumbria Police/PA Wire

Northumbria Police released dramatic dashcam footage of the incident in North Tyneside which the force said could have been fatal.

Wanted man Martin Jobes, 47, ignored the blue lights and sirens during a 10 mile attempt to stop him, and slammed into a traffic car as police boxed in his Audi A4 on the A19.

He had been spotted at a petrol station at 9.30pm on March 3 and Jobes refused to stop and picked up speed as he drove through busy estates in Annitsford before heading onto the dual-carriageway.

Martin Jobes, 47, a dangerous driver who rammed a police car into the central reservation during a 40-minute pursuit and has been jailed for 18 months at Newcastle Crown Court. Photo credit: Northumbria Police/PA Wire

One police car got in front and one was at his side in a box manoeuvre but Jobes rammed the BMW into the barrier, causing a write-off.

He continued to flee and reached 120mph before eventually abandoning his vehicle near to Stannington in Northumberland.

He was arrested by police on foot and was charged with dangerous driving and having no insurance.

Jobes, of Howlett Hall Road, Scotswood, Newcastle, admitted the offences on Thursday, Northumbria Police said, and he was jailed for 18 months at Newcastle Crown Court.

Detective Constable Chris Halliday, said Jobes could have killed someone with his "incredibly reckless driving".

He said: "Not only did he endanger the life of the traffic officers but he drove at high speeds, on the wrong side of the road and often through busy residential areas.

"He was not concerned about anybody but himself and I am glad that he has now been put behind bars."

Jobes, who has 33 previous convictions including numerous for driving while disqualified, was also handed a driving ban by the judge.