A man has been jailed for three years after causing the death of an off-duty police officer from Chatham.

Christopher Jones, 42, of Halfway Street, in Sidcup, admitted causing the death of Metropolitan Police officer Jonathan Bull by dangerous driving. He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court last Friday for sentencing.

Mr Bull, 47, from Chatham, died when three vehicles were in collision on the northbound M11 between junctions 8 and 9 near Stansted airport, on Friday, March 20, last year.

Unemployed Jones was the driver of a Volkswagen van which hit Mr Bull’s Ford Focus and a Volkswagen Golf. Mr Bull, who had worked for the Met since 2004, died at the scene.

He left a widow, two sons and two daughters and two brothers.

Paying tribute, his family described him as an amazing father and husband who was funny, caring and supportive.

Mr Bull served in the London borough of Bromley in various roles, more recently as a Safer Neighbourhood Officer.

A statement released by his family said he had grown up in the Bromley area and had various jobs before joining the police in 2004.

It said: “He was a well-respected police officer, who was held in high regard by his colleagues and took pride in serving his community.

Jonathan was an avid football fan. He took part in a fantasy league and supported Chelsea Football Club.

“He was an amazing father and husband, who took great pride in his children.

“His eldest son would like to say on behalf of his younger brother and sisters that they cannot express how heartbroken they are at the loss of their dad.

“He was a funny, caring and supportive father who means the world to them and they will miss him so very much.”

Jones, who pleaded guilty at a hearing last month, has also been banned from driving for five years.