A prolific burglar who rammed a police car during an attempt to evade capture has been jailed.

George Dunn was wanted in connection with two break-ins in Maidstone when a Vauxhall car aroused the suspicions of officers patrolling in an unmarked vehicle on the Parkwood estate.

As they went to get out of the police car, the Vauxhall suddenly reversed towards them at high speed.

It hit the police vehicle twice before the driver got out, who was immediately recognised as Dunn.

He escaped on foot before spotting another car which had been left with keys in the ignition.

Dunn got into this car but was seen by the owner, who grabbed at one of the door handles to try and prevent him stealing it. As Dunn made his escape, the victim was dragged along the road and suffered injuries requiring hospital treatment.

After getting away on October 28, Dunn was discovered on November 3 hiding under a bed at an address in Gosling Walk, Maidstone. This time he was arrested.

"Dunn is a prolific and violent offender...

At Maidstone Crown Court, the 37-year-old, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary - one at home in Marion Crescent, Maidstone, and another in Sutton Road.

He also admitted further counts of dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking and assault on an emergency worker.

Dunn was sentenced yesterday to three years and 10 months’ imprisonment.

DC Billie-Louise Keane, of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, said: "Dunn is a prolific and violent offender who no doubt would have continued to commit further crimes had he not been caught.

"He has caused a huge amount of distress and anxiety to a number of victims and I am pleased he is now off the streets and behind bars, where he can cause no further harm to law-abiding members of the public.

"It is important to remember that many burglaries, whether domestic or business related, are opportunistic and often preventable.

"Our message to residents and business owners alike is to remain vigilant. Always double lock doors and windows and deterrent devices like CCTV should be well-maintained, so they can capture as clear images as possible."

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