A man who drove head-on into a police car responding to a 999 call has been jailed for four and a half years.

Joseph Sharpes appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 17 November where he was sentenced to 54 months in prison.

The 22-year-old, of Chadwick Road, Middlewich, had earlier pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, actual bodily harm, drug driving and possession of cocaine.

The court heard how at around 12.30pm on Saturday 7 June 2025, officers were on Crewe Road in Haslington responding to a 999 call to concern for safety for Sharpes at an address in Haslington.

Joseph Sharpes deliberately turned into the Cheshire Police officers path, hitting them head-on in Haslington on 7 June 2025 (Photo: (Colin Cook/Haslington Community Page).

Prior to police arrival, Sharpes had left the address and drove in the direction of the officers.

As the police vehicle drew close, at the last minute, Sharpes deliberately turned into the officers path hitting them head-on.

The combined impact speed was estimated to be around 80 miles per hour.

As a result both officers and Sharpes were hospitalised following the collision with serious injuries. 

Sharpes was arrested at the scene and remained under arrest in hospital until his eventual release where he was then interviewed, charged and remanded into prison.

Sharpes later pleaded guilty to all offences at Chester Crown Court.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Ryan Ogden, said: "I welcome the custodial sentence handed to Sharpes.

Both officers suffered significant physical and psychological injuries as a result of the collision. One of them has still not returned to work (Photo: Cheshire Police).

"The actions of Sharpes not only put himself in danger but also two police officers and other members of the public.

"Both officers suffered significant physical and psychological injuries as a result of the collision. One of them has still not returned to work.

"I also hope the conviction and release of the dash camera footage will help address some of the insensitive comments made on social media at the time apportioning blame to the police for the collision."

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