Man sentenced for driving at police car after absconding from prison
Serving prisoner Sonny Loveridge, 28, deliberately drove into a police vehicle and collided with another car
Last updated 24th Sep 2026
A serving prisoner who absconded while on temporary release from HMP Hollesley Bay has been sentenced after a dangerous attempt to evade police.
Sonny Loveridge, 28, was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment at Ipswich Crown Court.
He failed to return to prison on 20 May 2026 after being granted temporary release and was unlawfully at large for more than three weeks.
On 11 June 2026, officers located Loveridge driving a silver Volkswagen Golf near Fordham. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, he failed to stop and instead drove dangerously in an effort to escape.
Loveridge deliberately drove into a police vehicle and collided with a member of the public's car.
He was arrested for absconding from prison and driving offences.
As well as the prison sentence, Loveridge was also banned from driving for 28 months and ordered to take an extended re-test.
Sergeant George Laflin of the Sentinel West Team said: "This was an outstanding team effort and demonstrates the professionalism, coordination and rapid decision making required by officers when dealing with high-risk situations.
“The overwhelming evidence that was secured on the night resulted in a guilty plea being entered at the earliest opportunity.
“This arrest highlights our ability to work effectively across force boundaries and reinforces our commitment to proactively policing the road network to identify, disrupt and bring high-harm offenders to justice.
“I would also like to thank members of the public who provided information that contributed to Loveridge's arrest and conviction. Community intelligence remains vital in helping us target those involved in serious criminality and ensuring offenders are held accountable for their actions.”