A disqualified driver injured a police officer by trapping her between two cars as he tried to escape the law.

Mark Smithies was wanted by police for an incident in August 2022 in Liverpool Road, Burnley, where he had been seen driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

A month later, on September 22, he was spotted by police in the North Valley Road area of Colne close to the McDonald’s.

During an attempt to stop Smithies, a female police officer was left trapped between her vehicle and his as he mounted the kerb and drove onto a grass verge to try and get away.

The officer suffered an injury to her leg and was taken to hospital and Smithies managed to escape.

Fortunately, the officer’s injuries were not life threatening or life changing.

An appeal to locate 31-year-old Smithies was launched and five days later, on September 27, he was finally arrested and charged with multiple offences.

Smithies, of Emily Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to two counts of driving while disqualified, two counts of driving without insurance, causing injury by dangerous driving, and causing injury to a police officer during an arrest.

At Burnley Crown Court on Monday, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months and disqualified from driving for a further two years.

He was also told to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days.

If he wants to get behind the wheel of a car again, Smithies must complete an extended retest.