This heart-stopping footage shows Thomas Atkins, of Birmingham, travelling at speeds of up to 60mph in a 30mph residential area, driving on the wrong side of the road and finally hitting one of the pursuing police cars.
He was attempting to escape officers after stealing a barbecue set, some outdoor lights, seat cushions and a packet of marshmallows worth a total of £500 from Wyevale Garden Centre, Droitwich Road on May 26 last year.
While trying to leave the garden centre in a Ford Focus, a staff member bravely blocked his path with her car while another member of staff had to leap out of the way as Atkins drove towards her.
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