Joseph Wicks, 27, was found hiding under an Ottoman bed by armed officers in Colchester on May 11, ending a months-long manhunt. He had hit three pedestrians with a Fiat 500 in the early hours of November 30 last year, outside a nightclub in Queen Street.
Dangerous driving spree
Wicks had been driving recklessly around Colchester, mounting the pavement and striking pedestrians. He fled the scene, abandoning the car in Wivenhoe Quay, but his fingerprints were recovered from the vehicle. None of the victims suffered serious injuries.
On the morning of the incident, Wicks was seen driving aggressively down narrow roads, heading the wrong way along one-way streets, narrowly missing members of the public, and ignoring red lights.
Further offences
While on the run, Wicks committed further offences, including a campaign of stalking and harassment against a woman. On May 8, he attended her address, shouting, swearing, and banging on the front door. When a man approached his van, he saw a metal baseball bat and what appeared to be a handgun.
Armed officers from the Force Support Unit began enquiries at several addresses. The following day, his van was located, and the bat was recovered. No firearm was found.
Arrest and sentencing
On May 11, officers executed a warrant at an address in Colchester. After a thorough search, they found Wicks hiding under an Ottoman bed. He was arrested and charged with multiple offences, including dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and stalking.
He admitted all charges except possession of an imitation firearm, which was left to lie on file. At Ipswich Crown Court on July 31, he was jailed for four years and six months and disqualified from driving for two years and six months.
Inspector Tom Stokes praised the officers' professionalism, saying their actions ensured a high-harm offender was brought before the courts and held accountable.
