A DANGEROUS driver who left a trail of damaged cars and property in his wake after a police chase this summer has been jailed for 16 months.

On June 12, 24-year-old Ricky Janes was pursued by officers in an armed response vehicle after his Volkswagen Passat was spotted dangerously undertaking and cutting across traffic in Wallisdown Road.

Prosecutor Rob Griffiths told Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday that Janes, travelling “far in excess of the 30mph speed limit”, drove through residential streets in the Winton area at such speed the car “literally jumped, took off” when it hit the speed bumps.

His rampage was halted when upon turning into Wimborne Road, his car was struck by a taxi, hit several parked cars - one of which was written off - and ended up “20 yards away embedded in the wall of a house”.

“Police had some difficulty restraining [Janes] and the passenger and had to deploy tasers,” added Mr Griffiths.

Jailing Janes, pictured right, who has 22 prior convictions for 30 offences including drink driving, Judge John Harrow said he had created “havoc”.

“It is a miracle that nobody was seriously injured as a result of your irresponsible, reckless driving,” he said.

“You were uncooperative with police at the end to say the least.”

Defending, Les Smith said Janes had written letters to his victims to express his apologies and recognised his driving was dangerous.

He said the defendant had decided while serving a prison sentence last year to turn his life around so as to spend time with his children, but he had made a “foolish decision” to drive that night and to attempt to evade police.

He said Janes had been diagnosed with ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder and “severe anxiety”, for which he was receiving medication.

Janes, of Bond Avenue, West Moors, pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving and another of refusing to provide a specimen. He was banned from driving for three years.

He pleaded not guilty to a separate count of assaulting a constable and no evidence was offered by the crown.