A1: Lorry driver who smashed into police car jailed

A lorry driver who smashed into a police car on a busy road was jailed for dangerous driving.

Two officers had to jump over a safety barrier to avoid being hit by the vehicle, which then crashed into the police car on the A1, near North Muskham, Nottinghamshire.

John Wickson, of Sheffield Road, Barnsley, did not stop after the collision in October 2017.

The 55-year-old was jailed at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday.

Officers were called to the northbound carriageway at about 02:00 BST on 26 October 2017 after reports of an oil spill.

They found a broken down vehicle on a flyover bridge and brought traffic to a standstill by parking the vehicle across lane one.

The officers then walked back to the car after putting out cones when Wickson's lorry came straight towards them, the force said.

It said the officers were forced to take evasive action, and the police car was badly damaged as a result.

Wickson continued driving for more than eight miles (12.8km) before being pulled over and arrested.

Police said he was charged and made court appearances but failed to appear for sentencing.

A warrant was issued and he was finally arrested earlier this year after being pulled over on other matters.

Wickson was handed 16 months in prison after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and failing to surrender.

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