A drug dealer who hit a pedestrian in his car during a police chase has been jailed.

Marcus Holland, 19, was behind the wheel of a car that struck the innocent victim in broad daylight during a mile-long pursuit across Macclesfield town centre.

During the chase, on May 5, the Vauxhall Corsa that Holland was driving caused minor injuries to the man on Park Green near the Cenotaph.

A court heard that at 2pm police in an unmarked car had approached Holland when he was parked in Windmill Street and he sped off towards Mill Street and dumped the car on Samuel Street.

Holland, of Playfair Street, Manchester, admitted dangerous driving at Chester Crown Court.

He also admitted two charges of possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine at Manchester Crown Square Crown Court.

He was jailed for three years and two months.

Holland’s arrest was made during Operation Toadstool, an undercover crackdown on illegal drugs during April and May.

Commenting on Holland’s dangerous driving Sergeant Simon Degg, who was in charge of Operation Toadstool, said the victim was lucky to escape with minor injuries.

He added: “The gentleman who was struck by this vehicle was very lucky indeed. The driver of the vehicle showed total disregard for his safety.”

Others who have been previously convicted as part of Operation Toadstool have admitted shoplifting, burglary, possession of a knife, assault, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply heroin and possession of cannabis.

They were all arrested as part of the major police operation.