A driver who repeatedly rammed a police vehicle before setting light to his car and reporting it as stolen has been jailed.

Steven Luckie was arrested after torching his car following a violent chase across Romney Marsh.

Luckie was spotted driving erratically by officers in a marked police car on the A259 in New Romney on Friday, November 5 2021.

After he failed to stop, the 50-year-old made numerous attempts to stop the officers from chasing him, including switching off his headlights.

When he eventually stopped in Sussex Road, he reversed repeatedly into the pursuing vehicle, driving away again when the officers got out to approach his car.

He repeated this several times through country lanes around Ashford Road, before the officers were forced to abandon the pursuit for their own safety.

The car was later found abandoned and burnt in Westwell Lane, Ashford.

Three days later, Luckie called police to report his car had been stolen on the day of the pursuit, after he had left his car and gone away for the weekend.

"Luckie put so many lives at risk that evening"

The Cradlebridge Drive, Willesborough resident was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, criminal damage and perverting the course of justice.

On Thursday July 14, he was found guilty by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court and sentenced to 20 months in prison, followed by a three-year disqualification from driving.

PC Gary Burgess from Folkestone Community Policing Team said: "Luckie put so many lives at risk that evening, not only ours, but his and other road users.

"He has also shown a total disregard for the law, trying to cover up his crimes so I am pleased he has now been sentenced and is no longer a risk to anyone else."