A 20-year-old motorcyclist has been imprisoned after injuring a police officer in Eastbourne.

Alfie Chandler, from Burlington Close, Feltham, London, was riding a ‘scrambler’ motorcycle on Paradise Drive on July 30. He did not stop for police officers and while trying to escape, he hit one of the officers, causing serious arm and leg injuries that required surgical intervention.

The incident unfolded when two officers, investigating a series of motorcycle thefts in Eastbourne, noticed a motorcyclist on Meads Road. The rider, later identified as Chandler, fled towards Paradise Drive, where two other officers attempted to intercept him in a marked police car. Despite their efforts to stop him, Chandler continued riding, leading to the collision.

Chandler was subsequently arrested and faced multiple charges, including causing serious injury by dangerous driving, handling stolen goods, driving without valid insurance, and driving while disqualified. He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on August 1.

The case moved to Kingston Crown Court, where on August 29, Chandler pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving without valid insurance, and driving while disqualified. The charge of handling stolen goods was set aside by the court. On November 27, he was sentenced to a three-year jail term.

Chief Inspector Di Lewis, Eastbourne district commander, said: “Our officers are here to protect the public, catch criminals, and make our communities a safer place. They are not here to be abused, assaulted, or injured, and although this is a risk all emergency workers face, it is not acceptable and should never be considered ‘part of the job’.

“This sentencing has removed another dangerous driver from the roads and serves as a reminder that we will not tolerate this behaviour in Sussex and justice will be served.”