Jailed: Hornchurch man crashed into six cars in high-speed chase with police

A Hornchurch man has been jailed for six years after stealing a car, leading police on a high-speed chase, crashing into six vehicles and injuring an officer.

Cormack Doolin, 24, of Albany Road, received consecutive terms of three years for robbery, two years for dangerous driving, six months for theft and six months for actual bodily harm.

He is also disqualified from driving for six years.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard on Monday, June 11, that about 10.50am on February 18 Pc Mike Bignell clocked the Kia Sportage Doolin was driving, going 99 miles per hour on the M11.

Pc Bignell signalled for Doolin to stop, but he continued driving, weaving across lanes for 11 miles at a speed of 120 mph.

He then crashed into two cars on the junction 7 slip road.

The officer then got out of his car and tried to open Doolin’s door.

But Doolin kept driving, which knocked Pc Bignell over and injured his hand.

Pc Bignell continued to follow the Kia and Doolin crashed into an additional four cars. One of the vehicles was carrying two children.

Doolin got out of the Kia and began to run, but bystander Mark Solomon tripped him.

This allowed Pc Bignell to catch up with and finally arrest Doolin.

Investigating officer Det Con Mel Keen of Brentwood CID said: “Doolin was determined to escape at any cost.

“His dangerous actions resulted in an innocent woman suffering broken ribs and a man having to undergo surgery for back pain.

“Pc Bignell suffered soft tissue damage and despite being in pain, still bravely pursued the vehicle and arrested Doolin.”

Later, police discovered the Kia Sportage had been stolen on February 5 from Heaton Avenue, Romford.

Mr Solomon was awarded £200 for his actions and has been nominated for commendations along with Det Con Keen and Pc Bignell.

The sentencing also included a penalty for a separate incident in which Doolin robbed a security guard of an empty cash box in Brentwood High Street.