A bid to steal a motor caravan led to a police pursuit, a trail of destruction and a father of three behind bars.

Michael Shilling was told by a judge that jail was inevitable for putting lives at risk by the manner of his driving over four miles from High Brooms to Tonbridge.

The 31-year-old was at the wheel of a stolen Ford Transit van that was being used to tow the £30,000 caravan stolen from a back garden in Barnetts Way, Tunbridge Wells, just after 11pm on April 13 this year.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the two vehicles were spotted by patrol officers but Shilling veered into their path, causing the tow rope to snap and the caravan to crash into a parked Fiat Panda and then garden fencing.

One of Shilling's two accomplices was in the caravan but managed to decamp and escape.

Shilling, of Raspberry Hill Lane, Iwade, Sittingbourne, drove off with his other accomplice, and police in pursuit.

Prosecutor Mark Mullins told the court: "The van braked hard, causing the wheels to lock and skid. It was then reversed by the defendant, causing it to run into the approaching police vehicle.

"The van then carried on to the junction of Yew Tree Road and the A26, where it accelerated away and turned right, causing the vehicle to fish tail."

"The police officers were deliberately put at risk by your driving" - Judge Phili St.John-Stevens

Mr Mullins said Shilling tried to reverse into the police car for a second time but the officer driving "had the presence of mind" to also reverse back and avoid another collision.

At times the van was said to have reached a speed of 70mph.

The chase ended when Shilling drove into a field and the vehicle got stuck in mud. His second accomplice was able to escape on foot however.

Shilling admitted aggravated vehicle taking in relation to the van and theft of the motor caravan.

Jailing him for nine months and banning him from driving for 15 months, Judge Philip St.John-Stevens said: "The police officers were deliberately put at risk by your driving."

"It also put other road users at risk bearing in mind speed and the nature of your driving."

Laura Bayley, defending, said Shilling was "very embarrased and ashamed" of the effect his actions had had on his children.

But she told the court the offences were committed "in part" due to pressure from others and that although he had driven the stolen van he was not responsible for its theft.

Under new sentencing laws, Shilling will be subject to supervision by the probation service upon his release.