A DRUG dealer who drove a car at a police officer while trying to escape arrest has been jailed.

Michael Davies has been handed five years behind bars after admitting a string of offences at Liverpool Crown Court.

The 24-year-old, of Poole Avenue, Longford, was spotted by police sitting in the passenger seat of a car on Central Way in the town centre shortly after 5pm on Wednesday, August 23.

Two officers approached the vehicle, as Davies was wanted for failing to appear at Liverpool Crown Court for other matters.

He then moved into the driver’s seat and drove the car 'straight at an officer', who had to jump out of the way to avoid injury.

The vehicle then drove off at speed in the direction of Winwick Street.

Warrington Guardian:

Central Way - picture by Google Maps

Police then attended Pentahotel in Birchwood shortly before 12.30pm the following day in order to arrest Davies.

Officers waited in the reception area of the Aston Avenue hotel, but when the offender attempted to check out he attempted to flee the scene.

Incapacitant spray was used in order to restrain him.

Warrington Guardian:

Pentahotel Birchwood - picture by Google Maps

Davies was found to be carrying a black backpack containing £560 worth of cannabis, and was taken to Warrington Hospital for a check-up after telling officers that he had 'taken a large number of tablets'.

Before entering the hospital, he managed to escape and ran off towards Lovely Lane - barging into a 63-year-old woman and knocking her to the floor before again being restrained by police.

During this altercation, Davies also shoulder barged an officer to the face.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Hospital

He admitted dangerous driving, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, escaping lawful custody, assaulting a police officer and assault and was jailed for five years last week.

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PC Tom Bacon said: "Davies is a committed and violent criminal who has no regard for anyone but himself.

"He injured an innocent member of the public trying to escape from officers, attacked officers who were trying to arrest him and drove a car at another.

"Hopefully the sentence will be a deterrent to those who think they are above the law."