A car driven by a motorist on the one-way system in Ipswich town centre was hit by a Jeep which was being driven down the centre of the road towards him, it has been alleged.

The motorist told a jury at Ipswich Crown Court that he was driving his Vauxhall Astra at about 7.45pm on November 24 last year when he saw the traffic in front of him “veering” towards the kerb.

He was in the left hand lane in the area of College Street and saw a black Jeep heading towards him down the middle of the two lanes of the one-way system.

He tried to move out of the way but was struck by the Jeep, causing damage to his car.

Before the court is Timay Denton, 28, of Pauline Street, Ipswich, who has denied dangerous driving.

The court has heard that police officers wanted to speak to Denton in connection with an unrelated matter and were shown a picture of him during a briefing on November 24 last year.

Several hours later a police officer allegedly saw a man he recognised as Denton driving a black Jeep Cherokee in Hartley Street, said David Wilson, prosecuting.

During the chase that followed Denton allegedly ignored the blue flashing light on the police car, drove into on-coming traffic on Stoke Bridge, jumped a red traffic light and drove at 60mph in a 30mph area.

During the chase he allegedly collided with the Vauxhall Astra in the area of College Street before abandoning the Jeep near Blanche Street.

Giving evidence today, Pc Mark Shropshire told the court he was in an unmarked police car with three other officers looking for Denton in relation to an unconnected matter when they saw a black Jeep Renegade in Hartley Street.

The police car had followed the Jeep and saw it being driven over Stoke Bridge in the opposite carriageway against the flow of traffic.

He said that shortly afterwards the pursuit was halted for safety reasons.

“It was just too dangerous to continue with it,” said Pc Shropshire.

Denton denies being the driver of the vehicle.

The trial continues.