A young mum has been locked up for “horrendous” driving over seven miles during which she crashed into two police cars.

Provisional licence holder Chloe Sedge “panicked” and sped away from police when she was spotted driving through a red traffic light in Bell Road, Sittingbourne, shortly after midnight on April 25.

Officers put on their blue lights to indicate to the 19-year-old to stop the Renault Clio, but she shot off towards Iwade exceeding speed limits.

Pedestrians near The Woolpack pub had to leap back to safety as Sedge, who had three passengers, whizzed past.

Prosecutor Gordon Carse said police continued to chase the car over the Kingsferry Bridge.

After Sedge went the wrong way around a roundabout at Cowstead Corner two other police cars joined the pursuit.

“The officers began an overtaking manoeuvre, at which point the Clio swerves across the road striking their vehicle,” Mr Carse told Maidstone Crown Court. “It slowed to about 30mph and then struck the car a second time.

“The Clio drove down a bank and hit a second patrol car before stopping. The total pursuit was about seven miles.”

Sedge, a cleaner, of Botany Close, Sheerness, told police she panicked after driving through a red light because she did not have a full driving licence.

“This was a prolonged and persistent course of very bad driving through residential areas when pedestrians were around,” said Mr Carse.

Sedge, now 20, was sentenced to 14 months youth custody after admitting dangerous driving and having no licence and insurance.

She was banned from driving for two years.

James Martin, defending, said Sedge accepted full responsibility for what could only be described as “horrendous driving”.

“She accepts she should not have been driving,” he said. “She describes it as a moment of complete panic.”

“She accepts she should not have been driving, She describes it as a moment of complete panic” - James Martin

Mr Martin said Sedge took medication for ADHD. She had not taken it on the day of the offences. She had led a chaotic lifestyle.

She had a son and a full-time job and her life had become more stable. She was awaiting a further assessment by Swale mental health team.

Mr Martin said he would seek a further report if the court was considering immediate custody, but the application was rejected by Judge Heather Baucher.

“She is a young lady who has made a huge mistake,” he added. “The indications are this was an impulsive act that won’t be repeated.”

Judge Baucher said Sedge lost control of the car when the police vehicle was travelling at 75mph. One officer thought the Clio was going to roll over.

“Quite frankly, it is very fortunate nobody was seriously injured,” said the judge.

She added that the fact Sedge had a young child could not have priority over imposing the correct sentence.

“In my opinion the offence is so serious neither a fine nor community sentence can be justified.”

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