A motorist who drove the wrong way down Sittingbourne High Street before crashing with an ambulance has been warned he faces jail.

Hadley Fry, 23, was at the wheel of a VW Golf when he collided head-on with the emergency vehicle.

The crew were treating a patient who had just tried to commit suicide inside at the time.

CCTV footage played to Maidstone Crown Court showed Fry narrowly avoiding a cyclist before he struck a lamp-post and the ambulance.

The car, worth £10,000, had been bought for him and his girlfriend that same day as a gift from his father.

Fry, of Whimbrel Close, Sittingbourne, admitted dangerous driving along Milton Road, Dover Street, St Michael's Road, Station Street and Sittingbourne High Street on August 3.

Although the sentencing hearing was adjourned for probation reports, Judge Jeremy Carey told the self-employed floor screeder he must not take that as an indication of the eventual outcome.

"this was appalling driving and a serious case of dangerous driving made worse by the fact there were people doing their duty and were put at risk..." – judge jeremy carey

"This was appalling driving and a serious case of dangerous driving made worse by the fact there were people doing their duty and were put at risk," said the judge.

"The real issue is whether you should go to prison for a short time to underline to you and the public how serious this offending is.

"That is very much on the cards. I am not saying that to frighten you but it is a reality."

Fry's father and girlfriend were in court and letters written by each of them were read by the judge.

He said the fact the car had only been bought for Fry that day showed "scant recognition" of his father's generosity.

Adding that he was fortunate to have his family's support, Judge Carey added: "You should be ashamed of yourself that you have let them down.

"Words of regret mean very little. It's actions that count."

Hadley Fry drove the wrong way down Sittingbourne High Street

Dale Sullivan, prosecuting, told the court the ambulance crew were treating a patient who had just tried to commit suicide when it was struck by Fry's car.

A police officer had tried to stop the vehicle as it attempted to drive through a narrow gap between the ambulance and cars parked at the side of the road.

Requesting reports, Adrian Rohard, defending, said an immediate custodial sentence would have "significant and serious consequences" on both Fry and his family.

The court heard that Fry was given a suspended sentence in 2007 for possession of drugs with intent to supply.

Fry will return to court for sentence on December 21. He was released on bail and given an interim driving ban.