Driver jailed after hitting police car as PM visited

A DRIVER who hit a police car and ran away from officers as they prepared for a visit by the Prime Minister was yesterday warned he “could have ended up with a bullet in him”.

Jed Hitchings, 20, was driving in Bridgend on April 25 when he pulled out at a junction into the path of a police car with two officers inside.

On the same day, Theresa May was in the area visiting a local community centre and there was a heavy police presence in the area, including armed officers.

Cardiff Magistrates’ Court yesterday heard Hitchings was driving while disqualified, did not have insurance for his blue Ford Focus, and had cannabis in his car at the time of the offence on Priory Oak.

Prosecution solicitor Michael Evans said: “The defendant shouldn’t have been driving and he couldn’t have picked a worse day as the Prime Minister was visiting the area. This defendant has pulled out from a junction and a marked police car was pulling left. The officers were driving at a slow speed.

“Unfortunately for the defendant, he got out of the vehicle and was pursued by armed officers. Consequently he stops when told to.”

District Judge Stephen Harmes told Mr Evans: “He was taking a risk, it could have ended up with a bullet in him.”

Hitchings was detained and arrested by police and, when interviewed, he fully admitted the offences and was said to be remorseful. Police found 0.8g of cannabis in the car but he was found to be sober.

The court heard the defendant had previous drugs and dangerous driving convictions.

Defence solicitor Gary Newbury said: “The fact the vehicle had been in his possession, it was then he succumbed to temptation and on that day he foolishly took the vehicle so he could go to a local gymnasium.”

He added: “Jed Hitchings is in a situation where he has hit one of the most well marked vehicles and in that state he panicked and he legged it, rather unwisely and unfortunately it happened to be the day it was.”

Hitchings, of Coity Road, Bridgend, pleaded guilty to failing to stop after hitting a police vehicle, driving whilst disqualified and without insurance, and possession of cannabis.

In his sentencing remarks, District Judge Harmes told the defendant he had an “absolutely appalling” record.

He added: “You could have had significant problems with the Prime Minister’s security team and you could have been in serious danger.”

Hitchings was sentenced to eight weeks’ imprisonment and was disqualified from driving for 13 months. He was also ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge and £85 costs.