A BROUGHTON man who drove his van at a police car that tried to stop him escaping a Costa drive-thru has been sentenced.

Andrew Smith of Main Road appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday, October 31.

The 35-year-old previously, at Mold Magistrates Court on October 10, pleaded guilty to;

  • Driving a motor vehicle dangerously
  • Driving whilst disqualified
  • Using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance
  • Failing to stop a mechanically propelled vehicle when required by constable/traffic warden
  • Being the driver of a vehicle involved in a road accident and failing to report that accident

Simon Parry, prosecuting, said that the incident in question took place on September 22.

At the time, Smith was subject to a 46-month driving ban imposed upon him in November 21 - meaning he shouldn't have been driving until September 2025.

On September 22, North Wales Police received information about a silver Ford Transit van, which was believed to have cloned numberplates on it making its way towards Dobshill in Flintshire.

Two police officers intercepted the vehicle - which was being driven by Smith - at the Costa drive-thru at Dobshill services, the court heard, blocking the van's exit as it was in the queue.

As they attempted to apprehend the defendant, he drove at speed towards the police vehicle, colliding with the front near side and causing 'significant damage to it.

Smith, who had a passenger with him at the time, was said to have revved the engine to try and move the empty police car out of the way.

He then made off on foot and, after a short foot chase, the police lost him.

The vehicle was seized by police who checked the registration and discovered that it came back to a different Ford van that was insured to the defendant.

Smith was then arrested at his home the following evening before admitting to all counts at interview.

Mr Parry said that one of the officers had 'just got out of the police vehicle' at the point Smith began ramming it.

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Myles Wilson, defending Smith, said that the incident was a 'very brief piece of dangerous driving lasting just a few moments', adding that it was 'born out of panic and impulsiveness'.

Mr Wilson added: "Probation don't regard him as a lost cause."

Referring to his disqualification from driving when sentencing Smith, Judge Rowlands said: "You cant just pick and choose whether you abide by court orders."

Judge Rowlands sentenced Smith to 12 months in jail for the dangerous driving charge and he faced no separate penalty for the other charges against him.

He will also be disqualified from driving for a further 30 months and will need to take an extended test before being able to drive again.

Judge Rowlands added: "You were taking a deliberate decision to cause a real risk to others."