Prison term after ramming police carBy Harlow and Bishop's Stortford CitizenA 25-YEAR-OLD Harlow motorist was jailed on Friday for 18 months over an incident in which he rammed a police car. Judge Gareth Hawkesworth told Jodi Donald, of Peterswood: "You drove extremely dangerously in a built-up area and in my judgement there was an element of bravado about it." Donald had been committed to Chelmsford Crown Court for sentencing by Harlow magistrates after admitting driving while disqualified, dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen of breath. He was disqualified from driving for three years. Margia Mostafa, prosecuting, said that shortly before midnight on November 5 police saw a silver car parked in Milwards, Harlow, and noticed it was causing an obstruction. The vehicle moved off and one officer recognised the driver, from a distinctive facial tattoo, as someone who was wanted for questioning over another matter. Police followed the car and flashed their blue lights. The car stopped in the middle of the carriageway in Southern Way but as an officer approached it drove off at speed. Police chased the vehicle which reached speeds of 70mph in a built-up area and went the wrong way round a roundabout. It came to a halt in Guilfords but Donald twice reversed the car into the front of the Mondeo police car causing extensive damage. He then drove off and was later stopped by Hertfordshire Police near Sawbridgeworth. He gave a positive breath test and was taken to a police station where he refused to give a further sample of breath for analysis. The court heard that Donald had seven previous convictions for disqualified driving and two for driving with excess alcohol. Phillip Matthews, mitigating, said Donald regretted his behaviour that night. He had had an argument with his girlfriend earlier that evening and while under the influence of drink he decided to try to look for her and resolve their difficulties. "Drink has played a significant part in all his offending," said Mr Matthews. 13:21 Thursday 9th January 2003
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