Watch high speed police chase as dangerous driver put Yorkshire residents lives at risk by veering onto grass verges and pavements and crashing into parked cars

Tony Ellison, 39, reached speeds of 50mph in quiet residential areas and drove erratically through numerous red lights, not caring that he was putting numerous lives at risk.

South Yorkshire Police have released the footage as Ellison, of Lothian Road, Doncaster begins an 18 month prison sentence, for his actions which saw damage to two police vehicles, two parked cars and the officer who arrested him.

The footage is taken from April 4, 2020, when roads policing officers were patrolling Doncaster and a silver Ford Transit van caught their eye on Leger Way.

Officers signalled for the driver to stop the vehicle, but Ellison failed to do so and a pursuit commenced.

During the pursuit, Ellison exceeded the speed limit, drove over pedestrianised areas and through red lights erratically, showing disregard for other road users, pedestrians and officers.

PC Will Lane said: "While carrying out routine checks and stops, we often find that those who are willing to drive without the correct insurance and documents are more likely to take risks or be involved in crime; Ellison is a prime example of this.

“It was 4.30pm when we asked Ellison to stop and speak to us. During the pursuit he put himself, officers, drivers and other road users at risk.

“At one point, he drove over a large grass verge, up onto the pavement and through bollards to try and evade officers. He reached speeds in excess of fifty miles per hour in a densely populated residential area, that has a speed limit of 20mph.

“The roads were full of parked cars, but Ellison didn’t care what damage he caused.”

Officers brought the pursuit to an end by using their vehicles to stop Ellison from driving any further, but even after he was stopped, Ellison tried to avoid capture.

PC Lane said: "He jumped through to the passenger side window and attempted to run from the scene.

“Immediately followed by my colleague, he attempted to jump a garden fence but was quickly arrested.”

From the pursuit, damage was caused to two police vehicles, two parked vehicles belonging to members of the public, and to Ellison’s van. The arresting officer also suffered minor injuries to his hand.

Ellison was convicted of dangerous driving and driving without a licence and insurance at Sheffield Crown Court.

As well as an 18 month prison sentence, he has also been banned from driving for 12 months.

PC Lane said: "These types of incidents show the importance of carrying out routine checks and stops; a dangerous driver, who has no respect for the safety of others, is now off our roads.”