A driver who reversed a van into a police car and injured two officers as he tried to get away has been jailed for a year.

William Phipps had already reversed three times at the squad car before shunting it backwards, causing the airbags to inflate.

PC Anthony Jacklin suffered burns from the airbags and PC Stephen Dunnett had whiplash.

The police pursuit was recorded on a camera in the car and shown to a judge at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday.

Phipps was driving a friend’s van in the early hours of April 27 and failed to stop because he did not have insurance.

The van sped away in Sevenoaks and the police followed with blue lights flashing and the siren sounding.

Prosecutor James Bloomer said Phipps, a 38-year-old decorator and builder, stopped and reversed three times before finally crashing into the police car.

He also drove at over 60mph in 30mph limits and went through a red light.

Phipps, of Watercress Drive, Sevenoaks, admitted dangerous driving and two offences of assault causing actual bodily harm.

John Connor, defending, said Phipps suffered panic attacks. He had been to a friend’s to help with decorating and then saw the police car behind him.

“He didn’t intend to hurt anybody,” said Mr Connor. “He was trying to stop them from chasing him.”

The father-of-two, who has no previous convictions, had been on a strict curfew since April 28.

Passing sentence, Judge Adele Williams said: “You paid not only no regard to the safety of other road users, you then deliberately put the officers’ safety in jeopardy by reversing on four occasions into the car.

“On the last occasion at high speed, it caused the airbags to be deployed. Those who behave in such a way commit serious offences.

“Those who injure police officers in a high speed chase such as this can expect nothing other than immediate custody.”

Phipps was banned from driving for two years and will have to take an extended test before being allowed back on the road.