A man who threw a wheelbarrow and tools at a police car from the back of a stolen van during a pursuit has been jailed for 18 months.

Homeless Wayne Byrne climbed out of the moving transit to throw the objects and detach a trailer and digger during the chase along Headcorn Road in Maidstone in August.

He even rammed the police car several times to get his pursuers off his tail - leaving officers suffering whiplash.

The 32-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to commit grievous bodily harm and one count of theft at a Maidstone Crown Court hearing.

The court heard how Byrne and his accomplices had stolen a Ford Transit from outside a property on Sutton Road, Maidstone, which was spotted by officers a short time later travelling along Headcorn Road in the direction of Staplehurst.

"He clearly poses a risk to public safety so prison is the best place for him" — Det Con Laura Pallett

He was arrested after a helicopter and dog search discovered him hiding in a trailer at a farm in Sutton Valence.

Investigating officer Det Con Laura Pallettsaid: "Wayne Byrne injured two police officers in a failed attempt to escape the consequences of his offending and it was fortunate they were not more seriously hurt.

"He also put his own life in danger by climbing out of a moving vehicle.

"Byrne showed no concern for the officers’ welfare or the safety of other road users while throwing items out of the back the van he had stolen, which is obviously an incredibly dangerous thing to do.

"He clearly poses a risk to public safety so prison is the best place for him."

Stories you might have missed

Councillor savaged by dog

Two Kent men named after dying in Sussex crash

Attempted murder charge over teen's stabbing

Club promises to refund fans let down by rapper Tinie