Van driver who repeatedly rammed police car injuring two officers is jailed

A van driver caught on camera repeatedly ramming a police car and injuring two officers has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years.

Paul Neelan, 29, deliberately ploughed his transit van into a squad car six times when police were called to reports of a fight in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Dramatic dash-cam footage shows him smashing into the vehicle, leaving two officers with neck and back injuries on Hancock Green in Coventry.

He can then be seen trying to drive off but crashing moments later as he failed to negotiate a roundabout.

Neelan, of Coventry, was chased down by officers armed with tasers and he was found hiding in a garden nearby wearing just a pair of boxer shorts.

Read more: Boy, 17, jailed for life after stabbing disabled girl 99 times

Neelan was found guilty of two counts of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm in January.

On Friday, Neelan was jailed for eight-and-a-half years at Leamington Crown Court.

Following the case, West Midlands Police released images of their wrecked Vauxhall Insignia after Neelan caused £15,000 worth of damage.

The force said they had been called to reports of a serious disorder and a vehicle deliberately driving at people at around 1.45am on 1 January.

Officers spotted the van being driven recklessly and mounting a pavement before it was reversed into officers.

They were rammed six times with the impact triggering the car’s airbags and tearing off a door, before Neelan hit another police car.

Read more: Domestic abuser killed ex-wife who was ‘starting to enjoy life again’

Assistant Chief Constable Mike O’Hara said: “This was an outrageous, sustained attack on two officers who were responding to calls of a disorder to protect members of the public.

“Thankfully the officers weren’t seriously injured but, as anyone can see by the state the car was left in, it could have ended tragically.

“This is a very significant jail term that’s been handed down to the offender and should be a wake-up call to anyone who thinks they can assault members of the emergency services with impunity.

“Anyone who assaults emergency service workers must expect to pay a high price and spend time behind bars.”