A DRIVER rammed a police car causing £25,000 worth of damage and left an officer with whiplash and post-traumatic stress disorder following a drinking session.

Mark Charlton, 51, of Caerleon Road, Dinas Powys, was jailed after he got behind the wheel of a Range Rover and caused mayhem.

Jeffrey Jones, prosecuting, said the defendant appeared “drunk” and argued with his partner before he decided to drive after drinking at the village’s Cross Keys pub.

He told Cardiff Crown Court how concerned staff called the police.

PC Julian John was alerted to the area and the Range Rover drove towards him on Millbrook Road.

After reversing and turning into Pen-Y-Turnpike Road, Charlton stopped, allowing the BMW patrol car to draw up alongside him before he sped away.

The defendant reaching a speed of 50mph in a 30mph zone before he broke in the middle of the carriageway.

Mr Jones added: "The defendant then rammed his 4x4 over the bonnet of PC John's vehicle and then simply drove forward and away."

It was heard that after another pursuit which saw the police officer pull over by the side of the Range Rover, Charlton went on to ram the vehicle a second time, "driving over the car".

The defendant got away and was arrested at his home the next day in the early hours of the morning.

Charlton pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, criminal damage and failing to provide a specimen.

The offences were committed on April 22, 2019.

Mr Jones said Charlton had 17 previous convictions, including dangerous driving and resisting arrest.

John Ryan, mitigating, said his client had panicked after seeing the police.

The judge, Recorder David Harris, jailed Charlton for 12 months and banned him from driving for three years and six months.

He ordered him to take an extended driving test before he can regain his driving licence.