Stolen motorhome driver leaves two police officers injured

A dangerous driver in a stolen campervan immobilised two police cars and injured two officers when they police tried to box him in on a single lane road in Queensbury, Bradford Crown Court has heard.

Andrew Mitchell was spotted at the wheel of the Fiat-based motorhome at 6pm on October 24 after it had been taken from an address in Rawdon, the Telegraph and Argus reports.

Mitchell, 34, of Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, was unlicensed and uninsured when he failed to stop for the police on a dark road with other vehicles and cyclists around, prosecutor Jonathan Sharp said.

Three patrol cars with blue lights flashing attempted to box him in to stop him but Mitchell swerved and struck one, pushing it across the road into a wall and a lamppost.

The vehicle was immobilised and the two officers in it were injured.

Mitchell then hit a second police car, damaging the wheel arch and disabling it.

He mounted the pavement and turned into a cul-de-sac where he jumped out of the moving motorhome, which only came to a stop after hitting a parked vehicle.

Mitchell was apprehended at the scene and said: “I’m sorry.”

He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.

He had 71 previous convictions for offences that included taking without consent, aggravated TWOC, vehicle interference and driving while disqualified.

Judge Andrew Hatton jailed him for 75 weeks and he was banned from driving for three years on his release – he must also pass an extended retest before he can drive again.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Van Life Matters newsletter or download the Van Life Matters App to stay up-to-date with the latest UK Van Life news, tips and advice.