A BANNED driver broke a North Yorkshire policeman's knee before leading police on a 20-mile pursuit, York Crown Court heard.

PC Thomas Lister was thrown into the air when Llewellyn Mitcham's car hit him in a Harrogate car park.

Officers had followed him and got out of their vehicle to speak to him because they suspected his car of being involved in drug supply.

As he drove off, he hit and injured PC Lister.

Two months later, PC Lister is still recovering from a severe fracture to his knee.

Detective constable Kirsty Smith of North Yorkshire Police said: "Mitcham gave no regard for PC Lister’s welfare and made good his escape where he was finally apprehended some 20 miles away following a police pursuit.

“When you suffer an injury like this although we may be able to heal physically, the trauma stays with you.

"As police officers we know our job comes with risk but Mitcham’s actions and the long-lasting impact of these should not be underestimated, a fact which has been clearly reflected in the sentencing.”

Mitcham, 30, of Harold Place,Leeds, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving on March 16, 2021, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance and was jailed for three years and two months.

He was also disqualified from driving for another 79 months.

After he left the car park, police spotted him driving at speed nearby and chased him until they were able to stop him.

PC Lister has been a police officer for some years.