13/03/2008

Jail For Car 'Ram' Thief

A car thief who led the police in a desperate chase across north and west Belfast before injuring four police officers when he rammed their Land Rover has been jailed.

Samuel Crawford, 20, of Glasgow Street, Belfast, was chased through the Shankill and Forthriver areas before driving head-on into the police landrover having taken the car last July after smashing the window of a house in Newtownabbey and taking the keys.

Crawford reversed away from the collision and ran from the car but slipped down an embankment and was caught a short distance away.

Belfast Crown Court was told the police officers suffered whiplash injuries.

Crawford pleaded guilty to aggravated car theft, driving while disqualified, burglary and driving without insurance.

As well as an 18-month jail term, he was told he must serve a further year on probation and a five-year driving ban.

(BMcC)

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