A lorry has been filmed smashing into a car in a head-on collision as it drove on the wrong side of the M42.
Members of a premium booze theft gang were attempting to evade capture by the police.
Driver Adam Leek was spotted hurtling down the M5 and was tracked onto the M42.
The Central Motorway Police Group tried a rolling road block to stop the HGV and, after that failed, a stinger.
A lorry has been filmed smashing into a car in a head-on collision as it drove on the wrong side of the M42
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
The heavy goods vehicle continued along the M42 with flat tyres, exiting at junction 9 before attempting to join the motorway exit slip-road the wrong way into oncoming traffic.
Police tried to block the lorry, resulting in an officer sustaining severe bruising and whiplash.
The lorry collided with another cause, causing minor injuries to three occupants.
A police vehicle later forced the lorry into the central barrier through tactical moves.
However, a second officer was injured during this manoeuvre.
Dashboard footage shows the damage inflicted on the police car
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
The lorry driver sprinted off but was detained following a short foot chase.
Front seat passenger Sam Hall was arrested on the grass verge.
Three men were found in the back of the lorry standing with the stolen alcohol.
The quintet pleaded guilty and were sentenced today at Birmingham Crown Court.
Leek, 40, was jailed for five years and eight months for conspiracy to commit burglary, two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, dangerous driving, disqualified driving and driving without insurance.
Police were forced to push the lorry into the central reservation
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
He was also disqualified from driving for 65 months and will need to sit an extended driving test before getting behind the wheel again.
Hall, 29, was jailed for 31 months for conspiracy to commit burglary burglary and possession of a class B drug.
James Delaney, 37, Joshua Selvey, 23, and Reiss Crombie, 32,were jailed for 33, 28 and 28 months respectively for conspiracy to commit burglary.
Selvey was also convicted of possession of a class B drug.
A warrant has been issued for Delaney’s arrest after he failed to attend court for a second time.
Inspector Sion Hathaway said: “Our officers are highly trained at driving in unpredictable and dangerous situations. They continually assess any pursuit to determine risk to the subject vehicle and other road users.
Police officers arrested five men at the scene
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
“The driver of the lorry had only one aim, which was to avoid capture, no matter the cost to other members of the public.
“We were assisted by the National Police Air Service to bring the incident to conclusion as safely as possible.
“The brave actions of my staff are a reminder of how police officers don’t hesitate to put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public.
“Had the officers not taken positive action to stop this vehicle the consequences could have been catastrophic.
“The serious injuries suffered by two officers left them in severe pain and needing lengthy treatment, which they are continuing to recover from today.
“I applaud their actions on the day which no doubt prevented potential injury to members of the public.”