Reckless driver James Clarke jailed after ploughing into a police officer in Birmingham

A reckless driver who ploughed into a West Midlands Police traffic officer as he tried to stop a stolen car has been jailed.

James Clarke struck PC Anderson as he was setting up a stinger on a stolen Ford Fiesta near the junction of Long Nuke Road and Shenley Lane in Weoley Castle on November 18, 2022.

After hitting PC Anderson the car drove off, but was safely brought to a halt in Bell Lane, Northfield a short time later. West Midlands Police said that their officer received significant injuries and has been unable to return to duty, so far.

Clarke, aged 33 of Copston Road, Shenley Green, admitted causing injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop, having no insurance and driving otherwise in accordance with a licence. He was jailed for two years and 10 months at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday (February 22). He was also banned from the road for two years.

DS Hinton said: "Clarke was reckless behind the wheel as he tried to flee from a pursuing police vehicle. He then struck an officer who was attempting to deploy a stinger to bring the vehicle to a stop. He showed complete disregard by then continuing to drive, before the Fiesta finally came to a halt.

"Our traffic officer has been left with injuries which mean he cannot return to active duty at the moment, and play his role in keeping the roads safe and protecting the public. Clarke has quite rightly lost his freedom."