A CONVICTED drug dealer who smashed up a patrol car by ramming it in a high speed police chase has been locked up for nine months.

The force of the impact lifted the officers from their seats and caused extensive damage to the front of the vehicle, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Sakab Hussain, 28, of Cecil Terrace, West Bowling, Bradford, pleaded guilty to driving dangerously in a VW Bora between Thornton Road and Market Street at 11.30pm on July 18.

He also admitted having no licence and the court heard he was uninsured, although he was not charged with that offence.

Prosecutor Syam Soni said the pursuit into the city centre covered up to five miles, as Hussain doubled back in a bid to shake off the police.

He reached speeds of 70mph in the eight minute chase, with his brother's girlfriend in the back seat.

The police ordered Hussain to stop because of the speed he was travelling on Thornton Road.

He accelerated away, turning on to Springhead Road on the wrong side of the carriageway.

Hussain drove straight across two mini-roundabouts at 50mph, sped down Allerton Road at 60mph and repeatedly mounted the kerb. On Market Street, he twice rammed a pursuing police car.

"The second impact lifted the police officers from their seats," Mr Soni said.

Hussain attempted to drive off but his car was too badly damaged.

Officers had to smash a side window to arrest him.

He told the police he bought the car earlier that week with a view to taking his driving test.

The court heard that Hussain was jailed for three years nine months in April 2012 for possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

Hussain's barrister, Nick Askins, said he agreed to collect his brother's girlfriend from a party and panicked because he knew he should not have been driving.

He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had apologised to the police.

Hussain had health problems associated with his weight and was awaiting a gastric band operation.

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Roger Thomas QC, said it was "reckless and silly" of Hussain to buy the car in the first place. He then took a chance by driving it, ramming the police car when it hemmed him in.

"You will have cost the public purse several hundred, if not thousands, of pounds," Judge Thomas said.

"Surely now the message has got out in this city that those who drive in this sort of dangerous way will end up going to prison."

Hussain was banned from driving for 16 months.