A dangerous driver who was pursued by a police helicopter after he refused to stop for officers claimed he had to drive home because he missed the last train back to a Suffolk town.

Matthew Holmes said he “borrowed” his friend’s Mercedes Sprinter on Tuesday, March 26, despite the fact he was serving a driving ban imposed just weeks earlier, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Officers observed Holmes in London Road, Stanway, and decided to follow the defendant before pursuing him under blue lights when they found the vehicle did not have a valid MOT.

Holmes then drove up on the curb and performed a U-turn, sparking a 45-minute chase through Stanway, West Bergholt and several other neighbouring villages in an attempt to lose officers.

Pursuit – police followed Matthew Holmes after he was spotted driving a Mercedes Sprinter in London Road, StanwayPolice followed Matthew Holmes after he was spotted driving a Mercedes Sprinter in London Road, Stanway (Image: Google Street View)

According to Recorder Richard Conley, Holmes “used the vehicle as a weapon” when he rammed into a police car on eight separate occasions.

Charles Judge, prosecuting, said Holmes caused the van “to become airborne” when he sped over a level crossing and landed with such impact that sparks flew from underneath the vehicle.

Police then called in pursuit-trained driver PC Gosling to lead the chase as Holmes led officers down one-track roads, frequently switching his lights off.

With the chase showing no sign of stopping, officers contacted the National Police Air Service, which sent a helicopter to follow Holmes.

After reaching a dead end near a church yard, Holmes leapt out of the vehicle and was pursued on foot before he finally gave up and was arrested.

Officers found cannabis when they searched his address.

Holmes, of Glisson Square, Colchester, admitted dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, failing to stop when required to do so by police, driving without insurance and possession of cannabis.

Prison – Matthew Holmes was jailed for 14 monthsMatthew Holmes was jailed for 14 months (Image: Essex Police)

It was argued in Holmes's defence he had borrowed the van from a friend after he missed the last train back to Sudbury, where he was then living, and did not intentionally ram into police cars.

Recorder Conley rubbished that suggestion, saying: “I don’t accept your explanation you borrowed this large goods vehicle to get home because you missed the last train – it is unworthy of belief.

“The act makes no sense whatsoever.”

On Monday, Holmes was jailed for 14 months and banned from driving for five years upon his release.