A young dad who crashed into a police car while trying to escape officers has avoided jail.
Joshua Moreton reversed into the emergency vehicle after being spotted driving a stolen car along Topp Way in Bolton.
The 22-year-old was pulled over in November 2019.
While officers attempted to box him in, he smashed into the front of their vehicle.
Moreton, who has a nine-month-old baby, attempted to escape but was tackled to the floor by officers.
In a struggle, he scratched one of the policemen with his orthodontic braces.
Moreton, of Grosvenor Street, Bolton, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, handling stolen goods and assaulting an emergency worker.
Alison Whalley, prosecuting, told Bolton Crown Court: “There was a burglary at a residential address on October 29.
“Several vehicles were stolen.
“On November 1, the defendant was seen by police as the diver of the stolen car.
“This was on false plates and was stopped on Topp Way.
“The police officer sought to position his vehicle at the traffic lights in front of the defendant's car.
“Having seen this, the defendant reversed the car in front of the police car.
“He tried to escape and was taken to the floor. There was a struggle between them and the police officer was injured.
“The defendant was interviewed and provided no comment.”
Moreton, who has no previous convictions, did not have a driving licence at the time of the incident.
Speaking at his sentencing today, his defence barrister, Stuart Duke, said: “He has never driven before but for some reason decided to have a go in this vehicle and was immediately apprehended by police.
“He was only 19 at the time of the offence. He has stayed out of trouble.
“Normally anyone who has pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker would go to prison – and quite rightly so.
“But this is an unusual case as he said any injuries to the officer were an accident.
“These are two scratches and not caused by teeth. He’s in full time employment and has a young child.
“He’s thrown away his driving licence before he’s even got one.
“He’s a naive, young man who is very remorseful and pleaded guilty. He has been very fearful of sentencing today.”
Before passing sentence, judge Timothy Stead said: “If you are ever tempted to dabble in drugs again, do not do it.
“You are still young. You have your whole life ahead of you. I’m not going to deprive you of your liberty today.
“You have not done anything wrong before this and you have not done anything wrong since.
“Heaven knows what got into you.”
Moreton was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for two years.
He has been disqualified from driving for 12 months and will not be able to get a licence until he has taken an extended test.
He has been made the subject of a 90-day electronic curfew from 9pm to 5am.
He has also been made to pay £500 in costs.
