Known drug dealer rammed police vehicles to escape arrest

Shahid Farooq's VW Passat had been alerted to police who began to follow him in two unmarked cars on September 19.just before 2pm.

Leeds Crown Court was told by prosecutor Robert Galley that when Farooq reached a roundabout on Methley Lane near Castleford, the pursuing tried to box him in to make the arrest.

As an officer got out to try and reach the defendant, he reversed his Passat into a member of the public's Ford Fiesta. He then moved backwards and forwards, hitting the police vehicles as he made a desperate bid for freedom.

The officer was able to smash a window and withdrew his Taser, pointing its red dot at Farooq's chest before he eventually relented.

A search of the Passat uncovered more than 40 wraps found to contain heroin.

The court was told that Farooq had a long criminal history resulting in numerous jail terms.

This included four years' jail in 2007 for possession of a firearm and ammunition, another 42 months' jail in 2014 for drug dealing and four years' jail in 2018 for conspiracy to steal and handling stolen goods.

He was out on licence when he was arrested on Methley Lane and was taken back to jail.

Appearing via video link he admitted a charge of drug dealing and dangerous driving.

Mitigating, Simon Hustler, said that Farooq had been "coerced" back in to the illegal drug trade because of a family member who had run up a drug debt, and was trying to help them out.

He said that Farooq, of Crescent Walk, Clayton, near Bradford, had also apologised for his actions when he tried to escape the police.

Judge Robin Mairs jailed him for four years and handed him a four-year driving ban.