Thief rammed cop cars injuring police

A thief who rammed a police car, leaving two officers injured, has been banned from driving for three years.

John Paul McKeever, 49, must also resit his test and will be prevented by an electronic tag from leaving his home at night for the next six months.

McKeever, of Moss Road, Cambusnethan, was sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court after he admitted charges of theft and dangerous driving.

Paula Russell, prosecuting, said he was caught on CCTV breaking into the North Lanarkshire Council recycling centre in Jubilee Way, Bellshill, shortly before 6am on September 6.

He used a large pair of bolt cutters to get into the yard and grabbed batteries worth around £200 before leaving.

However, police were on the scene almost immediately and McKeever fled, crashing through gates then accelerating towards a police car.

Ms Russell said he rammed the front of the police vehicle, leaving PCs Barry McGuire and Ainsley McKnight with minor injuries.

Their car could not be restarted and although other officers joined in the chase McKeever evaded them as he clocked what the prosecution described as“grossly excessive”speeds through various streets in Bellshill.

He ignored Give Way signs and police orders to stop while another driver had to swerve to avoid a collision.

McKeever, who was on bail for other matters at the time, was arrested later and spent a period in custody before Christmas.

Defence agent Bobby Reid said the dad of two has been attending drug addiction services and now“finds himself in a far better place than when he was remanded in custody.”