A dangerous driver who repeatedly rammed a police vehicle and drove directly at officers during a high-speed pursuit through Southend has been jailed.
Ryan Bowden, 28, ignored police attempts to stop him late on the night of 10 November last year, instead leading officers from Essex Police’s Roads Policing Unit on a dangerous chase through residential streets.
At around 11.55pm, officers identified the van Bowden was driving as having no registered keeper and signalled for it to stop. Rather than pulling over, he accelerated away, triggering a pursuit through Southend.
During the chase, Bowden drove through red traffic lights, crossed onto the wrong side of the road and reached speeds of up to 50mph in a 30mph zone, putting police officers, other motorists and members of the public at serious risk.
The pursuit became even more dangerous in Arnold Avenue.
Bowden suddenly brought the van to a stop before reversing at speed into the side of the pursuing police vehicle.
PC Daniel Corr and PC Andy Sunderland were both injured in the collision but continued the pursuit.
Bowden then twice drove directly at the police car, forcing PC Corr to take evasive action to avoid further collisions.
As the chase continued, PC Sunderland was able to obtain a clear view of the driver. The pursuit eventually came to an end in Kursaal Way when Bowden abandoned the van and fled into a nearby block of flats.
Despite the injuries he had sustained during the collision, PC Sunderland immediately chased after Bowden on foot and detained him inside the building.
Although Bowden initially denied being the driver, he later admitted dangerous driving.
Bowden was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment at Basildon Crown Court on 21 July.
Following the case, PC Andy Sunderland said:
“The manner of driving was outrageous. It was dangerous on so many levels and I am shocked that no members of the public were injured because of his driving behaviour. There was a significant amount of risk taken by the suspect, which was unnecessary.”
However, the one-year prison sentence has prompted criticism from many, who believe the punishment does not reflect the seriousness of Bowden’s actions or the danger posed to police officers and the public.
Leon Bower said: “Whenever the politicians talk about getting tough on crime, whichever party they represent, and reforming the Criminal Justice system, let’s be sure to remember the complete lack of any meaningful actions for decades to address the pathetically inconsistent and inadequate sentences available and given for the likes of this dangerous moron.”
Kara Dewson added: “One year is an absolute joke! It’s amazing nobody was hurt on the roads. Well done to the police but they must feel so let down by the courts when this injustice happens over and over again!”
The conviction is one of hundreds secured by Essex Police’s Roads Policing Unit as officers continue targeting dangerous driving across the county.
The specialist unit has made more than 900 arrests across Essex so far in 2026 for offences including dangerous driving, drink and drug driving, and vehicle crime.
The incident highlights the dangers officers can face during what begins as a routine traffic stop. In this case, an attempt to stop a van with no registered keeper escalated into a violent pursuit that left two police officers injured and could easily have resulted in far more serious consequences.