A driver rammed a police car multiple times after drinking and quarrelling with his partner, a court heard.

Steven Patrick had been intent on killing himself on a motorway when he encountered the officers in Rochester just after midnight on April 27.

But the 30-year-old father put others in danger with his behaviour. When finally arrested, he continued to be aggressive and assaulted one of the officers.

Patrick, of Gorse Avenue, Walderslade, admitted dangerous driving, common assault and failing to provide a breath specimen.

The offences were committed near the end of his licence period, having been jailed for three years for burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm and criminal damage.

Patrick was jailed for 15 months for the latest offences and banned from driving for 30 months.

Judge Michael Carroll told him: "You put other road users in danger of serious injury as a result of your driving while under the influence of alcohol."

Iestyn Morgan, prosecuting, said a police car was travelling along Maidstone Road,
Rochester, when officers saw a car coming towards them at speed.

After driving on the wrong side of the road, Patrick pulled over and then reversed towards the police car. He looked directly at the officers, gestured at them and drove off.

He stopped again nearby and reversed into the police car. As he sped off, he threw a beer can out of the window.

Patrick negotiated a roundabout the wrong way and drove against the flow of traffic. He stopped and again reversed into the police car.

He continued to drive across both lanes of the carriageway, causing other motorists to take evasive action. He reversed into the police car for a third time.

The police continued the chase, only to have Patrick reverse into them again. He switched his lights off before weaving in and out of traffic.

A second police car joined the pursuit in Churchill Avenue and attempted to stop Patrick, but was also reversed into.

He was eventually boxed in and arrested. He became violent and drew blood on an officer's hand.

Henry Gordon, defending, said it was fortunate there were no serious injuries.

"He is a deeply troubled man," he said. "On the night in question he quarrelled with his long-term partner. He had taken alcohol, antidepressants and the like.

"He wanted to get to a motorway, drive fast, lose control and kill himself."