A RAMRAIDER who deliberately drove at two police officers causing them serious leg injuries has been jailed for 12 years.

Hizekiah Roberts was part of a "sophisticated" gang that targeted cash machines at supermarkets and village stores in Kent.

The 31-year-old, of Dickens Avenue, Canterbury, admitted conspiracy to burgle, two charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving.

John Panhandle-Smith, 30, of Snowdown Caravan Site, Aylesham Road, Dover, was sentenced to eight years five months.

Brothers Darren Lee, 31, of The Meadows, New Romney, and Anthony Lee, 33, of Greenbridge Park Caravan Site, Vauxhall Road, Canterbury, were each jailed for seven years 10 months.

They all admitted conspiracy to burgle and criminal damage.

The offences involved five raids in New Romney, Hawkinge, Beltinge, near Herne Bay, Sandwich and Littlebourne. Only one, netting just over £25,000, was successful.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how the gang would carry out a reconnaissance at stores, steal JCB diggers nearby and cars and then smash their way in to remove the cash machines.

The four, wearing balaclavas, were arrested after police lay in wait at Sainsbury's in Dymchurch Road, New Romney, in the early hours of February 28 last year.

About £175,000 of damage was caused but the cash machine containing £55,850 was recovered at the scene.

Roberts drove a stolen powerful Toyota Land Cruiser at police cars and PCs Adam Hume and William Unsworth as they attempted to stop him and Darren Lee escaping.

PC Hume broke his right ankle and was unable to work for eight months. PC Unsworth fractured his right leg and was off for "many months" after suffering complications.

Det Supt Tim Smith said: "I am delighted that this determined and ruthless gang have been given such significant prison sentences.

"The public need to be protected from criminals who cause this level of harm and damage, and I am pleased that this has been recognised by the court.

"The sentences send a clear message to those who consider this type of criminality as an easy option to finance their lifestyles. Kent Police will target them and bring them before the court."