A DANGEROUS driver who drove a car at a police officer called a judge an abusive name as he stormed out of court.

Daryl McMahon, 38, left court in a huff and returned to the cells after learning he would not face sentence for his reckless driving.

In April last year, a patrolling police officer was investigating the strong smell of cannabis emanating from Evans Court, Halstead.

He recognised McMahon, who has 45 convictions for 112 offences, from “previous dealings”, finding him sitting in the driving seat of a Seat in a car port.

Ipswich Crown Court heard the officer shouted “Don’t you dare drive that car”.

He saw McMahon turn the key in the ignition before reversing without looking behind him.

The court heard the car reversed at “sufficient speed to cause the tyres to screech and the engine to rev”.

When the officer reached his arm through the window to try to snatch the key, McMahon continued to drive the car, dragging the officer with it.

The officer managed to free his arm and stepped away to avoid being struck.

The court heard McMahon turned the wheel towards the officer before accelerating.

The officer was able to dodge the oncoming car, which fled the car port and the scene.

McMahon, of West Road, Thetford, was later arrested on June 18.

He admitted dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving whilst disqualified.

Judge Martyn Levett elected not to sentence McMahon, instead deciding to adjourn the case to list it alongside other charges he faces.

McMahon, furious at facing a delay in hearing his fate, stormed out of court upon hearing the ruling.

He was heard to call the judge a name and said: “I’m here for sentencing, if you’re not sentencing then I’m going”.

Judge Levett said: “The defendant left court in an offensive manner. I’m not quite sure who he was addressing as a ‘knob’.”

The case was adjourned until a further hearing on September 8.