Ryan Bowden, 28, has been jailed for one year after leading officers on a high-speed pursuit through Southend and repeatedly driving at a police vehicle. The chase began on the night of 10 November last year when Essex Police officers identified the van Bowden was driving as having no registered keeper and signalled for it to stop.
The Pursuit
Instead of stopping, Bowden sped away, driving through red traffic lights, crossing onto the wrong side of the road, and reaching speeds of up to 50mph in a 30mph zone. In Arnold Avenue, Bowden suddenly stopped the van before reversing at speed into the side of the police vehicle, injuring PC Daniel Corr and PC Andy Sunderland.
Despite their injuries, the officers continued the pursuit. Bowden twice more drove directly at the police vehicle, forcing PC Corr to take evasive action. Bowden eventually abandoned the van in Kursaal Way and ran into a block of flats. PC Sunderland, despite his injuries, chased on foot and detained Bowden inside the building.
Sentencing
Bowden initially denied being the driver but later admitted dangerous driving. He was sentenced to one year's imprisonment at Basildon Crown Court on 21 July. PC Sunderland said: 'The manner of driving was outrageous. It was dangerous on so many levels and I am shocked that no members of the public were injured because of his driving behaviour. There was a significant amount of risk taken by the suspect, which was unnecessary.'
Bowden's conviction is one of hundreds of cases pursued by Essex Police's Roads Policing Unit this year. Officers from the unit have made more than 900 arrests across Essex so far in 2026, tackling offences including dangerous driving, drink and drug driving, and vehicle crime.
