A dangerous driver who smashed into a car at 80mph as he tried to flee from police has been jailed.

Aaron Drummond was already disqualified from driving when he hit the car, which was carrying four pensioners, near Merrybent, County Durham, on Friday, June 7.

Thankfully, the occupants of the car were not seriously injured and have since written to police to thank them for their help on the day.

Officers chased down Drummond as he scrambled out of the window of the Ford Transit van in a bid to escape and arrested him at the scene.

(Image: Durham Constabulary)

The 25-year-old was already wanted by police for another incident on May 13 in which he refused to stop for police and drove the wrong way down the A66 near Darlington.

Drummond, previously of Southend Avenue, in Darlington, but now of no fixed abode, was charged with two counts of dangerous driving, two counts of driving while disqualified, and two counts of driving without a licence.

He admitted the offences and was jailed for 16 months when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Monday (July 8).

Most read: 

He was also banned from driving for 44 months.

A Durham Constabulary spokesman said: “Drummond is a prolific offender who shows no remorse for anyone affected by his criminal actions.

“We are pleased he is behind bars so residents will at least get some respite from his offending.”