A Braintree driver lost his licence after his roof load smashed a police car's windscreen.
An Armed Response Vehicle raced to an emergency call on the A120 near Little Canfield.
A large object flew off the Audi's roof, crossed the central reservation and hit the police car.
Glass showered the driver and passenger. The officer steered the wreck to a controlled stop.
The ARV was too damaged to drive. The carriageway closed and traffic faced long delays.
The Audi driver left the scene. Police used camera footage and debris to trace him.
Photos showed the Audi with a large flat item on its roof rack that same day.
He admitted three danger-of-injury counts plus failing to stop and failing to report.
Six-month driving ban, a 12-month community order, 140 hours of unpaid work and 244 pounds in costs.
Essex Police: make sure anything you carry is properly secured before every journey.
Straps loosen after a few miles. A one-minute check can stop a crash like this.
The complete story, the exact sentence and how to secure your load safely.
Get the full breakdown, key numbers, and what happens next.
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