Police ram suspect driving wrong way on slip road

A video has been released showing a disqualified driver being rammed by police cars after mounting a roundabout's grass verge and heading towards oncoming traffic exiting a dual carriageway.

Nottinghamshire Police said Wayne Sykes - who was wanted by the force - was being followed by officers near East Bridgford on 11 June but did not stop for them as he drove towards Newton village.

Officers hit the rear side of the 42-year-old's Vauxhall Insignia, sending it spinning, and as he tried to reverse two other police cars boxed him on the exit slip road of the A46 near Bridgford Street.

At Nottingham Crown Court, Sykes, of Coalville, Leicestershire, was jailed for two years and eight months.

Police said Sykes was being followed by officers after he had failed to appear in court for driving offences earlier that week.

Sgt Craig Luckett said: "Whenever we begin a pursuit on the roads, public safety is always our number one priority.

"So, when this individual went to enter a busy dual carriageway in the wrong direction we had no choice but to take immediate action to bring the pursuit to a safe resolution, it doesn't bear thinking about the carnage which could have ensued had my officers not taken direct action.

"Thanks to the quick thinking, professionalism and courage of all involved this man was swiftly detained and the public protected from harm."

At his sentencing on 17 July, Sykes was also given an extended driving ban, having pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving whilst disqualified the previous month.

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