A police officer was injured as he tried to stop a thief driving off from a shoplifting spree at a Maidstone store.

Qualified gym instructor Junior Dolphy and others had gone into TK Maxx with suitcases and filled them with designer clothes and other items worth more than £2,500.

They were easily seen on security cameras and three of the gang were arrested at the St Peter’s Street store on December 15 last year.

But Dolphy managed to escape in his black Mercedes. He headed along Palace Avenue, cutting across a lane and almost causing a crash. He turned into a car park next to the police station.

Prosecutor Kieran Brand told Maidstone Crown Court that PC James Williams ran out, approached Dolphy and tried to open the driver’s door.

While he was holding onto the handle, Dolphy sped off, wrenching the officer’s arm and shoulder.

He continued to drive erratically, cutting across other vehicles as PCs Sean Quinn and Katie Fox gave chase in a police car.

He headed into a street that was closed off for road works. He managed to get into Mote Road and turn into Knightrider Street.

Mr Brand said Dolphy became stuck in traffic and other drivers boxed him in.

As the officers approached on foot Dolphy drove at PC Fox as she tried to grab the door handle. She was not hurt.

She used her baton and tried to smash a window in the car. Dolphy was taken to the ground and arrested after he eventually unlocked his doors.

Dolphy, 39, of Brixton, south London, was jailed for 12 months after admitting dangerous driving, having no insurance, assault and theft.

He was banned from driving for two years and will have to take an extended test before his licence is returned.

Recorder Charles George QC told Dolphy, who has 22 previous convictions for 31 offences: "This was a prolonged, persistent and deliberate course of very bad driving."

He said it must have been terrifying for the police officers involved.