A DISQUALIFIED driver has been jailed after injuring two people in a car he had taken from a friend.

Ian Ellis, 47, crashed into a cyclist when he drove a Vauxhall Vectra car across Main Street, Bingley, as he tried to park while visiting a supermarket.

Ellis stopped at the side of the road and provided false details, claiming he was called Steve from Otley.

A pedestrian, who had seen the incident, then tried to stop Ellis. He took hold of Ellis’ car door but was dragged to the ground and suffered cuts and bruises.

Ellis then drove off through a red traffic light, in the incident, which took place at around 6pm on Saturday, July 8, this year, Bradford Crown Court heard.

The cyclist, Edward Winslow, suffered bruises and soreness on his body. His bike was also damaged in the collision.

Philip Adams, prosecuting, said: “Ellis was disqualified from driving and took the car without permission.

“He was given the car to look after by a friend. The defendant kept hold of the car keys.”

Ellis, of St Aidans Square, Crossflatts, Bingley, contacted police the following day and later accepted being the driver, but claimed he had not seen Mr Winslow and he had left the scene after he “panicked”. He was jailed for 12 weeks after he pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and failing to stop.

Ellis was disqualified from driving for two years and six weeks and will have to take an extended driving re-test.

The court was told he had a number of previous driving convictions, including taking a vehicle without consent and dangerous driving, and also possession of a class B drug with intent to supply. These offences were dated between 1988 and 2012. His last offence resulted in a community order for dangerous driving in 2012.

Judge Colin Burn criticised Ellis for his “stupidity” and added: “Two people were injured as a result of you being behind the wheel.

“Mr Winslow would not have suffered the accident and been propelled off his bike and his bicycle wrecked, if you had not been on the road.

“The pedestrian was injured trying to do something in the public spirit. It is aggravated vehicle taking because you did not have the authority to take it.”

Assumpta O’Rourke, defending, said: “He was in the process of crossing the road, the lights were green and he did not see the cyclist. He fully accepts it was his wrongdoing. He panicked clearly and a member of the public went to confront him. After what has occurred, he intends never to go behind a wheel of a motorised vehicle again.”