Dangerous driver who swore at police helicopter in Brighton jailed
Class A drugs and burner phones were found in his vehicle
A dangerous driver who swore at a police helicopter while trying to escape officers in Brighton has been jailed.
Slah Hassine, 51, of Junction Road, Burgess Hill, originally pulled over his black BMW when approached by police.
But when an officer got out to speak to him, he reversed the vehicle and drove away at speed.
Footage shows the moment when Hassine spotted that he was being tracked by the helicopter.
Once detained, three bags of cocaine were found under his body, and another bag of cocaine was found in his jeans while cocaine was also found inside his vehicle along with burner phones.
There was also paperwork inside the car which showed Hassine was given a driving disqualification which was still in effect at the time.
Hassine was charged with possessing a class A drug with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of a class A drug , dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving while disqualified and driving without valid insurance.
At Lewes Crown Court on November 16, he admitted the charges and was jailed for three years and eight months in total. He was also banned from driving for three years and three months, to include a 17-month period when he will be due for release on licence.
Following the case, Detective Sergeant Duncan Lloyd said: “Hassine put the safety of other road users at risk when he drove dangerously through Brighton to evade arrest.
“His behaviour behind the wheel was appalling. But when presented with the evidence of his actions in court he had no choice but to plead guilty.
“This conviction has ensured that drugs supply in Sussex has been disrupted and a dangerous driver has been taken off our roads.”