A MAN in his 30s has been sentenced to four months imprisonment and has been banned from driving for 12 months in connection with a number of offences in Caterham and Coulsdon which took place at the end of last year.
Richard Stinton, of Manor Road, South Norwood, was charged with failing to provide a specimen, dangerous driving, assault with intent to resist arrest, failing to stop for police, failing to stop after an accident and criminal damage.
The charges were brought after officers on routine patrol spotted a white Vauxhall Combo van in suspicious circumstances on Ninehams Road in Caterham around 12.25am on Wednesday, 21 November.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver continued to drive the van until it collided with a brick wall on Taunton Lane in Coulsdon. The driver left the scene on foot before being arrested nearby following a pursuit by officers.
While under arrest Stinton assaulted a police officer causing him to fall to the ground and urinated in the back of the police van.
Investigating officer Dave Evans from East Surrey CID, said: "Sinton was not only putting his own life at risk but that of other Surrey road users and I hope the time imprisonment and the driving ban will convince him to change his behaviour behind the wheel.
"This type of selfish behaviour will not be tolerated by Surrey Police and we will do all we can to keep the roads around our county as safe as possible by prosecuting people like Stinton."
Stinton pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, April 5.
More information about safe driving can be found by visiting www.drivesmartsurrey.org.uk.
