A DRUNKEN joyrider with no licence rammed a police car during a botched getaway attempt sparking a high-speed chase through the streets of Chelmsford on New Year's Day.
Part-time groundsman Ben Jolly, 27, of Hillary Close, Chelmsford, hit speeds of more than 70mph in 30mph zones as he sped through Waterhouse Lane, Rainsford Lane, Robjohns Road industrial estate and Broomfield Road, before being detained by police.
At one point during the chase, Jolly stopped and reversed into a police car, then "wheel spun" off in the opposite direction as he tried desperately to evade capture.
Jolly appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Friday, January 2, after he was detained in the early hours of Thursday, January 1.
He pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, driving a motor vehicle when above the alcohol limit, failing to stop, using a motor vehicle without insurance, driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and possession of cannabis at the hearing.
The court heard that at about 12.15am on Thursday, shortly into the new year, Jolly, driving a grey Vauxhall Zafira, failed to stop for police after being spotted speeding and driving dangerously along Waterhouse Lane.
During the pursuit, Jolly was seen switching lanes repeatedly, narrowly missing bollards, straying into the middle of the road while in Westway, and then accelerating through Robjohns Road industrial estate at a top speed of 70mph. It was near some traffic lights in Robjohns Road where Jolly came to a stop and then rammed a police car in a desperate attempt to escape.
Prosecuting, Kathy Wilson said: "Thankfully, traffic was light. He reversed into a police vehicle and accelerated away towards Broomfield Road."
The court heard how Jolly was then spotted overtaking vehicles on blind bends, and a police helicopter was brought into action to help in the urgent hunt for the vehicle.
Jolly was finally detained in Petersfield, off Valley Bridge, where he said he had taken his girlfriend's car without her knowing.
He was found to have 67 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – almost twice the limit - and was found to be in possession of herbal cannabis.
Defending Jolly, Peter Butterfield said: "He accepts everything. He accepts that there are cameras that would have seen him and he was caught at the scene. He says he panicked and continued to drive away from the police.
"He admits that he does get himself into trouble when alcohol is involved."
Jolly was given bail at the hearing with conditions including a stipulation that he is not allowed to travel in the front seat of a car.
Jolly will appear on the warned list at Chelmsford Crown Court for sentencing any time from January 19.
