Man jailed after driving car at police officers
Body worn footage captured the moment Reyland drove his car into other vehicles and officers at the scene
A man has been jailed for his “incredibly dangerous” actions after driving a vehicle at officers and ramming it into police cars.
Avon and Somerset Police said the incident happened on 6 October, after officers attended Matthew Reyland’s property in Seavington St Michael, to carry out unrelated enquiries into a missing person.
Police said no one sustained any serious injuries when the 38-year-old from Somerset tried to flee the scene in his car.
Reyland was sentenced on 8 January at Taunton Crown Court, after pleading guilty to multiple offences.
Reyland’s car hit officers as he tried to flee from the scene
Reyland’s car hit two officers in the process and another was hit by a wing mirror while trying to turn the ignition off through an open window.
He then drove into a parked motorhome and attempted to force his way past the stationary police vehicles.
He was initially unsuccessful, but was able to ram his way through. Reyland was arrested the next day.
Inspector Paul Hayward said his actions were “incredibly dangerous”.
Matthew Reyland pleaded guilty to the following charges:
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Two counts of common assault of an emergency worker
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Two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker
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Two counts of criminal damage to police vehicles
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Aggravated vehicle taking
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Use of a motor vehicle without third-party insurance
The 38-year-old also received a 16-month prison sentence and was disqualified from driving for two years and eight months.
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