A knife-wielding abuser who put his ex-partner in fear of her life “purposefully rammed” a police car and caused it to be written off when confronted.

Alex Moore, of Timberbank, Vigo, has been jailed for eight years after admitting to offences including possession of a bladed article in a public place, threats to kill and intentional strangulation.

Police were called on the evening of February 8 to a report that the 47-year-old had threatened and attacked his former partner and a child.

Officers who arrived at the house followed Moore in his vehicle. They pulled him over, however after confirming his name, he sped away from officers, clipping their car.

He then drove to Lower Rainham Road in Gillingham where he deliberately reversed and rammed into the police car causing the airbags to deploy and smoke to fill the cabin.

One of the officers suffered minor injuries following the ram.

Moore was found at the side of his vehicle and was arrested in connection with the incidents.

He was later charged with several offences including possession of a bladed article in a public place, threats to kill and intentional strangulation.

Moore was also charged with assault of an emergency worker, drink driving, dangerous driving, failing to stop and destroying property with intent to endanger life.

He admitted the charges and was jailed for eight years at Woolwich Crown Court last Friday (July 12).

Moore was also handed an indefinite restraining order and a three-year driving ban which will come into force upon his release.

This night was the most terrifying time in my life

In a victim impact statement Moore’s former partner revealed his emotional and physical abuse had been happening for 11 years.

She remarked: “There have been several occasions over the years that threats have been made to kill me, my children, and my parents.

“This night was the most terrifying time in my life, I thought one of us was going to die.”

Investigating officer Detective Constable Sam Strudwick said: “Moore subjected his former partner and a child to frightening behaviour which put them in fear for their lives.

“Not only did he use physical force on them both, but he also used a knife to inflict more fear.

“He then put members of the public in danger by drink driving, causing him to drive dangerously through impaired judgement, which was evidenced by his behaviour in purposefully ramming the police car, causing it to be written off.

“Kent Police always takes reports of domestic abuse seriously and we have specially trained officers who will ensure investigations are carried out carefully and sensitively. They can offer safeguarding advice and ensure measures are put in place to safeguard victims who need it.”