A 45-year-old man has been jailed after driving a vehicle at police officers in Freemantle.

David Shaun Clothier, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to three counts of assaulting an emergency worker and three counts of criminal damage following an incident on Sunday 25 January 2026.

Just before 12.30am, officers attended an address on Paynes Road as part of enquiries to locate a missing person. On seeing police, Clothier – who was wanted on recall to prison – accelerated away with no headlights on and deliberately rammed two marked police vehicles multiple times, before repeatedly reversing and driving towards officers on foot, forcing them to move quickly to avoid being hit.

Clothier then attempted to flee the scene by reversing his vehicle through foliage, but became stuck in a ditch. He abandoned the car and ran but was detained following a short foot chase and arrested in Freemantle Lake Park.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 12 March), Clothier was sentenced to 18 months in prison. He will also be subject to a 27-month driving ban.

Speaking after the sentencing, Southampton Deputy District Commander and Assault Police Lead for Hampshire, Chief Inspector Charlie Ilderton, said: “Police officers and staff in Southampton put themselves in harm’s way every single day to protect the public. They respond to emergencies, safeguard the vulnerable, and stand between danger and our communities with professionalism and courage.

“Clothier’s actions were deliberate, reckless and utterly unacceptable. Our officers were simply carrying out enquiries to locate a missing person when he chose to repeatedly drive at them and ram police vehicles — behaviour that is not only criminal, but a disgraceful attack that put his desire to escape above the potentially devastating injuries he could have caused.

“Violence against police officers should never be considered ‘part of the job’. It will not be tolerated, excused, or minimised.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of Clothier’s actions and sends a clear message that anyone who assaults or endangers emergency workers will be pursued and held to account.

“I hope Mr Clothier uses his time in prison to reflect on the potentially devastating injuries he could have caused.”