A Chilton man caused devastation when he smashed a stolen Kia into two cars as he tried to flee police during a high-speed chase in Darlington.
Carl Hollywood reached speeds in excess of 70mph in a 30mph zone as he weaved in and out of traffic after police spotted him driving the white Sportage along the A66.
The 36-year-old refused to pull over before accelerating away from the pursuing police vehicle leaving a trail of devastation as he came to a shuddering halt, Teesside Crown Court heard.
Reece Williams, prosecuting, said Hollywood drove along Yarm Road in Darlington at excessive speed before heading down McMullen Road, reaching around 70mph at times.
He said: “The car collided with two vehicles causing significant damage and pulling the wheel off the Kia. The car continued towards the junction before coming to a stop.
“When he was arrested, he lunged at one of the officers which was the assault on an emergency worker.”
The court heard how the defendant was on prison licence at the time of his arrest.
Hollywood, of Albert Street, Chilton, pleaded guilty to theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence and assaulting an emergency worker following his arrest on December 9.
Tabitha Buck, mitigating, said her client accepts that he was in prison licence at the time of the offending but urged to judge to consider imposing a non-custodial sentence.
Judge Nathan Adams sentenced Hollywood to a total of 18 months for all offences.
He said: “When the police went to flag you down, you decided to take off at speed – you were travelling significantly in excess of the speed limit.
“You were driving erratically and dangerously while weaving in and out of traffic.
“It came to an end when you crashed through a junction into two vehicles causing extensive damage.”
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Hollywood was also banned from driving for 45 months and told he must pass an extended driving test before returning to the roads.
Speaking after the hearing, Inspector Andy Howarth, from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit, said: “Hollywood’s dangerous and reckless use of the roads that day put innocent people at risk.
“A car in the wrong hands is a lethal weapon - it was by sheer luck that no-one was seriously injured as a result of Hollywood’s actions, or worse, killed.
“I hope he spends the time in prison reflecting on the choices he made that day and the devastation they could have caused.”
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