A “RECKLESS” driver, who failed to stop for police in Poole before crashing into a cyclist and other vehicles in an ensuing chase, has been jailed.

Ian Paul Collins, aged 42 and of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday, September 26, to 14 months in prison after admitting offences of dangerous driving and driving without valid insurance.

He was also banned from driving for three years, with the disqualification period due to start when he is released from prison.

At around 2.15pm on Saturday, February 26, officers on patrol in the Poole area were at the junction of Parkstone Heights and Ringwood Road when they saw the defendant driving a red Peugeot 206 at a speed that was believed to be in excess of the 30mph limit.

The officers pulled out of the junction and indicated for the Peugeot to stop, however if failed to do so and continued toward the Newtown area travelling at speeds believed to be more than 60mph.

The vehicle was seen to overtake several other cars, contravening a keep left bollard, and collided with a cyclist but did not stop at the scene. The cyclist sustained minor injuries, but his bike was severely damaged.

Collins continued toward the Alderney Roundabout, travelling at close to 70mph as officers followed.

As he approached the Mountbatten Roundabout, Collins crash into a Vauxhall Astra, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver of the Vauxhall stopped at the scene, but Collins again failed to do so.

He was involved in a further collision with another Vauxhall Astra by scraping the side of it. Once more, Collins failed to stop and subsequently crashed into a further two vehicles as he encountered two lanes of queuing traffic.

Collins left his vehicle at the West Howe Roundabout, but officers gave chase and he was detained nearby.

It was subsequently discovered that Collins was wanted on a prison recall and was not insured to drive the Peugeot.

Police Constable Gavin Newbury, of the traffic unit, said: “Ian Collins failed to stop for officers, drove at speeds well in excess of the limits for the roads he was using, carried out a number of dangerous manoeuvres and was involved in several collisions.

“His reckless driving on Saturday 26 February 2022 posed a serious risk to other road users and it is fortunate that nobody was seriously injured as a result of his actions.

“I hope this case demonstrates that we will take action against those who endanger the safety of fellow road users and ensure they are held accountable for their behaviour.”