Man who drove stolen car into Sussex Police officers on A259 is sentenced

A man has been jailed for nearly five years after he drove into and seriously injured two Sussex Police officers and a member of the public in Littlehampton. Jack Robson, of Holly Drive, in Littlehampton, admitted to three counts of causing serious injury by driving dangerously at Portsmouth Crown Court today (Thursday, 12). The 20-year-old, while wearing a balaclava, had struck the officers with a stolen car while they were carrying out a roadside drugs test on the A259 in September. Police said they, along with the member of the public who was also hit, were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Robson had stolen the car from a property in Olliver Acre shortly beforehand and, following the incident, attempted to flee the scene before being detained by other officers. He was convicted of three counts of causing serious injury by driving dangerously, burglary, driving with no insurance, driving not in accordance with his provisional licence, aggravated vehicle taking, going equipped for burglary and driving with uncorrected vision. He was sentenced to a total of four years and eight months, and disqualified for driving for five years. In summarising the case, Judge Hetherington said Robson made no attempt to slow before he collided with the people, according to police. He continued to say this was one of the most serious cases of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, given the multiple casualties and the terrible consequences that each of them suffered. Each person suffered excruciating pain, their careers have been blighted and there has been both physical and mental effects to them and their families. DCI Andy Wolstenholme said: "This was a traumatic incident for the two officers involved and they have displayed considerable courage throughout. "The policeman suffered a broken leg and shoulder and his colleague, a policewoman, suffered fractures.   "Both officers are continuing their recovery, receiving continual medical support and we are hoping they will begin their phased return into the force early next year. "The member of the public was treated for a back injury and is also continuing his recovery path and is awaiting appointments for specialist treatment. "The seriousness of the injuries of the three shows the severity of this incident. "We all feel the impact when our colleagues are harmed. "Officers are there to keep the public safe and they do this selflessly 365 days-a-year.   "Robson pleaded guilty at the earliest point which prevented the three injured from having to relive the traumatic moments of that night through a trial. "However this is only a small consolation to the trio and their family and friends, who have understandably, have been left shaken by the traumatic event." More Radio is continuously dedicated to providing a quality news service on-air and online, reporting local stories that matter across Sussex. If you enjoyed reading this story, then check out our home page at moreradio.online where you can find the latest from the county, along with features and competitions from our presenters, as well as listening to the station live. You can also sign up to our news alerts to receive updates on new stories. Simply click on the bell at the bottom right of the home page. This will then allow a pop-up which will ask if you would like to receive alerts. Press ‘allow’ and you’re all signed up! You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.