A driver and his passenger escaped unhurt after crashing while racing against another car at speeds up to 130mph, a court heard.

A shocked off-duty police officer described how Robert Murray’s Citroen DS4 was spinning “over and over” before hurtling up an embankment off the A2 at Dartford Heath.

After his arrest, the 28-year-old father claimed his car had been stolen, before admitting it was a “silly” story.

Murray, of Davidson House, Knockhall Road, Greenhithe, was jailed for 22 months after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, perverting the course of justice and criminal damage.

He was banned from driving for two years.

Maidstone Crown Court heard PC Amanda Thompson had finished work in London and was driving home after 11pm on September 22 last year when she saw two cars approach at speed.

Prosecutor Trevor Wright said one of the cars “undertook” her. She later estimated their speed at around 130mph.

As she approached the Dartford Heath turning one of the cars suddenly swerved across all three lanes to a slip road, throwing up dust and debris.

“She saw the car swinging from side to side,” said Mr Wright. “She could see it spinning over and over when it went up the embankment.

“She stopped. Two men got out of the car. She asked if they were all right. One replied they were fine “but don’t call the police”.

Murray and his passenger left the scene on foot. He later called the police and reported his car stolen. Mr Wright said Murray damaged a cell after his arrest by urinating in it.

Jasmine Ferguson, defending, said Murray, who has children aged nine, four and three, denied driving at 130mph but admitted it was well over 70mph.

“You were racing and the dangerous driving was serious,” he said. “You were under the influence of alcohol" - Judge Charles Macdonald QC

“The offence is not the worst of its kind,” she said. “No one was injured. He made a panic response. It was always going to be discovered.

“He acknowledges he acted foolishly. He deeply regrets it. His family will be punished by his actions.”

Judge Charles Macdonald QC said it was “miraculous” that neither Murray nor his passenger was injured.

“You were racing and the dangerous driving was serious,” he said. “You were under the influence of alcohol.”