Gavin Jarvis jailed for ramming police car following chase in Gravesend
Published: 13:30, 23 August 2017
A drugged up driver tried to ram his way out of trouble in a stolen car after he was boxed in by police in a dead end, a court heard.
Gavin Jarvis repeatedly reversed at a police car and injured two officers as he tried to drive away in the early hours.
The 24-year-old father, who did not have a driving licence, earlier sped off when he was spotted in a Proton Impian in Manor Road, Cobham, just after 5am on March 11 this year.
He was pursued into Sole Street and Scratton Fields where he was boxed in.
“Not content with that, he reversed his vehicle into the police car, not once but several times,” prosecutor Jonathan Ingram told Maidstone Crown Court.
“An officer jumped out and Pava sprayed him in the face, but it had no effect and he continued to manoeuvre the car to try to get out of the cul-de-sac.
“The other officer was forced to jump out of the way of the vehicle. Jarvis made good his escape even though police deployed a Taser.”
The officer was injured as Jarvis drove off. Another PC had neck and shoulder injuries as a result of the police car being rammed.
Jarvis, of St Albans Close, Gravesend, was arrested two days later.
He admitted aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence and insurance.
He was due to stand trial on two charges of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm, but they were dropped after he admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and common assault.
Jailing Jarvis for two years and four months, Judge Jeremy Carey said he should have had the sense to realise “the game was up” when he was boxed in.
“Instead, you tried to drive your way out in the most appalling fashion and dangerous way.
“You reversed, reversed again and reversed yet again into the police car with the two officers commendably doing their duty to try and apprehend you.
“You put them at risk by your appalling driving and caused injury to them.”
Jarvis was disqualified for three years and two months and will have to take an extended test before he can drive.
He also admitted burgling a house in Nansen Road, Gravesend, on June 22 2015 and theft of Prada sunglasses from a parked Audi.
The burglary victim heard noises at 4.20am and watched on CCTV as a hand came through an open window. Jarvis fled when the woman screamed.
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Keith Hunt