A MAN who ploughed into two vehicles during a police car chase before running off has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Jack McDonald, 19, of Waltham Road, Woodford Green, hit the parked cars in Rectory Lane, Loughton, in March.

After getting out of his black Volkswagen Polo and fleeing, police tracked him down at his home and arrested him.

He admitted dangerous driving, failing to stop for the police failing to stop at the scene of a crash, failing to report a collision and having a defective tyre in connection with a collision at Chelmsford Crown Court in September.

On Friday, he was given a 12 month suspended prison sentence, ordered to pay £250 costs and do 200 hours’ community service.

He was also banned from driving for five years, after which he will have to pass an extended test before his licence is reinstated.

Sergeant Catherine Offord said the sentence sent a message to drivers who did not stop for the police.

“It does have serious consequences,” she added. “Thankfully, nobody was injured in this pursuit and crash, but it could have ended a lot differently.”

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