West Midlands Police have released bodyworn footage showing the moment a prison escapee rammed armed officers in a desperate bid to flee arrest in Coventry. Jay Bennett, 33, was jailed for three years and six months at Warwick Crown Court last Monday after pleading guilty to a series of offences including dangerous driving and absconding from prison.
The dramatic video captures the chaos as firearms officers confronted Bennett on Santos Close, Coventry, on March 24. Bennett, who was wanted at the time, had been spotted at a gym in the area. Instead of stopping for armed officers, he attempted to ram into them and their vehicles.
Bodycam Footage Shows Officers Shouting Commands
In the footage, officers can be heard shouting "armed police, stop the car now" through Bennett's shattered driver's side window. Despite the desperate attempt to escape, officers were able to stop and arrest him without any injuries being sustained.
Bennett, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to absconding from prison and three counts of driving whilst disqualified. He was also found guilty of dangerous driving, three counts of criminal damage, and two counts of attempted escape from custody.
Arrest Follows Gym Sighting on Santos Close
The arrest came after Bennett was seen at the gym on Santos Close, which prompted the armed police response. The footage released by West Midlands Police shows the intensity of the situation as officers worked to bring the fleeing suspect under control.
West Midlands Police said: "A driver has been jailed after he rammed into our firearms officers in Coventry. Jay Bennett has been locked up after he was arrested in March for multiple offences including dangerous driving and absconding from prison."
Jail Sentence Handed Down at Warwick Crown Court
Bennett's sentencing took place at Warwick Crown Court last Monday, where he received a prison term of three years and six months. The sentence covers the multiple offences for which he was convicted, including the dangerous driving and the absconding from prison.
The case highlights the risks faced by armed officers when dealing with wanted individuals. The swift action of the firearms team ensured Bennett was taken into custody without further incident, and no injuries were reported during the operation.
