A BANNED driver who knocked down and injured a firefighter while taking a vehicle from outside Darwen Fire Station has been jailed for 16 months.

Christopher Murray hit Ken Baron while quickly reversing a Saab car.

Preston Crown Court heard how the incident arose in the early hours after officers from red watch had been helping to tackle a large-scale industrial fire at Leyland just before Christmas.

They returned to find the fire station had earlier been burgled.

The fireman was left with cuts and bruises as a result of being knocked to the ground.

Murray, 24, of Preston Road, Darwen, had pleaded guilty to offences of aggravated vehicle taking, disqualified driving, and dangerous driving.

Michelle Brown, prosecuting, said it was 5.30am on December 23 when staff at the fire station heard a car engine revving loudly.

Murray was sitting in a staff member’s vehicle, on the car park and was smoking a cigarette.

He was trying to get the car into reverse gear.

He narrowly avoided pinning someone between the car and a wall. The defendant managed to get into reverse and, as he headed off backwards, he knocked Mr Baron to the ground.

The officer ended up with cuts and bruising to his right side.

The car was found dumped around 20 minutes after being taken.

Murray’s DNA was discovered on a cigarette inside the vehicle.

His list of previous offending included earlier convictions for aggravated vehicle taking.

Martin Hackett, defending, said someone else had handed him the car key and he had tried to make an escape.

“He was in panic and struggling with the gear box. He was in a very close and confined area. Thankfully, the injuries weren’t as serious as they could have been.

“He didn't knock him over on purpose.”

The judge, Recorder John Bromley-Davenport QC, told Murray: “You have sent yourself to prison again.”

Murray was given a 12-month road ban, and must take an extended test before driving in future.