A security guard who got mixed up in rioting when he attempted to help his cousin flee police has been jailed.

Salim Khan crashed his car within a matter of seconds when he tried to drive away from the scene in Middlesbrough.

The 23-year-old had just finished a 12-hour shift at work and spotted his cousin running from men wearing black before crashing into two parked cars when he panicked and tried fleeing the scene.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Khan had not been involved in any of the violent disorder which spread through Middlesbrough town centre in August before attempting to flee police.

Violent disorder spreading through Middlesbrough in AugustViolent disorder spreading through Middlesbrough in August (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Omar Ahmad, prosecuting, said the defendant’s cousin, Akheel Khan, was sentenced earlier this month for his role in the violent disorder.

“The officers pursued males on foot onto Belk Street and males were seen wielding weapons,” he said.

“Officers saw two males in a blue Seat, the defendant was the driver and the passenger was Akheel Khan. The officer suspected they had been involved in the disorder and opened the car door.

“He shouted for Salim Khan to stop and get out of the vehicle. He responded by attempting to start the ignition while the officer held onto the door.

“The defendant ignored him and accelerated off at speed and travelled towards other officers in the road and failed to stop.

“He immediately collided with two parked vehicles.”

The court heard how Khan ran off but returned 30 minutes later to hand himself into the police at the scene.

Khan, of Newlands Road, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving following the collision. The Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence for the charge of violent disorder.

Akheel Khan getting arrested following rioting in MiddlesbroughAkheel Khan getting arrested following rioting in Middlesbrough (Image: Cleveland Police)

Andrew Turton, mitigating, said his client was of previous good character before he was remanded in custody following his arrest.

He added: “He offers significant levels of remorse and very good awareness of the stupidity of his actions on that day.

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“He maintains the offence was impulsive and he was not involved in the wider incidents of violence but his passenger was – his cousin Akheel.”

Judge Nathan Adams sentenced Khan to nine months in prison and banned him from driving for 12 months.

He said: “There was no evidence that you were directly involved in the march or disorder, you were returning home from work.

“However, the police officers who tried to intervene were involved and your actions contributed to the chaos that day.”