A DRUG dealer who drove at speed trying to get away from the police has been jailed for two and a half years.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard officers from Essex Police’s Operation Raptor team were on patrol in their vehicle in Clacton on April 21 last year when they came across a silver Vauxhall Vectra.

On spotting the police car driver Sean Beckham, 46, mounted the pavement in Church Crescent at speed and drove off.

Despite being pursued by police Beckham failed to stop and accelerated along Marine Parade East and also reversed at officers when they reached Jaywick Lane.

Beckham was arrested in West Avenue, Clacton on suspicion of driving without due care and attention and without insurance.

In custody he was found to have Class A drugs in his boot and more drugs hidden in his vehicle. In total officers seized 16 wraps of heroin and cocaine.

Beckham of Dagenham Road, Romford admitted two charges of possessing a Class A drug, driving without due care and attention and driving without insurance.

He was given a 30-month jail term and given eight penalty points on his licence.

Following the sentencing Sgt Andy Stott said: "In his attempt to avoid being arrested by police because he was carrying drugs, Beckham showed no regard for the safety of other road users when he fled from us at speed.

"It was only good fortune that his reckless actions did not result in injury, or worse, to a member of the public."