Drug-addict mows down policeman

A cocaine-addicted thief who ran over a policeman while driving with no car insurance has somehow escaped a jail sentence.

19-year-old Jermaine Daley has a criminal record that stretches back many years and asked for Reading Crown Court to take into account 37 other offences including theft and criminal damage. Sentencing the young criminal to a two-year supervision order and 60 hours community service, Judge Christopher Critchlow said, "From what I've read you want to put crime behind you."

The incident for which he appeared in court occurred on April 17th 2004 when he was disturbed by police after reports that potential car thieves were looking through car windows with torches. A policeman, PC Williams, shouted at him to stop, but he leapt into the seat of a Ford Mondeo and sped off, knocking the copper over and running over his leg.

Daley then roared off through the Berkshire village of Datchet, reaching speeds of up to 80mph in a 30mph zone and sending other motorists careering off the road in panic. Some time later he was spotted on CCTV searching for another car to break into to help fund his £250-a-week drug habit, and was promptly arrested by police.

He subsequently pleaded guilty to one charge of dangerous driving, one count of theft and two counts each of driving with no motor insurance and no road tax. The youth did, however, deny that he intentionally injured the police officer and insisted it was a complete accident.

Mike Page from Hoot Car Insurance Services, specialists in young driver car insurance, commented on Jermaine Daley's case, saying, "Being a drug-addict with a fondness for theft and also driving with no insurance isn't the best way to get cheap car insurance.

"Of course, we try and give everyone a great price but some people just make it very difficult for themselves."

webmaster@hootcarinsurance.co.uk

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