A man was jailed after falling from an illegal e-scooter while attempting to evade a police officer on a bicycle during a prolonged pursuit in Nottingham.
Officers were patrolling on electric bikes on the afternoon of 6 May 2025 when they spotted Graham McCarthy riding an e-scooter along Carlton Road. He was believed to have links to local drug supply and was seen holding a roll-up cigarette as officers instructed him to stop.
McCarthy failed to comply and instead led officers on a pursuit lasting around ten minutes, during which he repeatedly swore at police and rode dangerously through traffic and among pedestrians.
The chase continued through St Ann’s towards Nottingham city centre, where McCarthy ran a red light and rode directly towards a bus, forcing it to brake sharply.
The incident came to an end near the junction with Lower Parliament Street when McCarthy, travelling at more than 20mph, lost control while attempting to pass a bus and fell from the scooter. He was then detained and arrested by the pursuing officer.
McCarthy, 43, of Denstone Road, Nottingham, later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.
He also admitted criminal damage after repeatedly banging his head against the inside of a police van on the way to custody, and possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply after being found with synthetic cannabinoids in May 2024.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday 16 March, he was jailed for 75 weeks and disqualified from driving for 19 months.
PC Elizabeth Shone said the incident, while slower than a typical police pursuit, still posed significant risks.
She said McCarthy had multiple opportunities to stop but instead escalated the situation, putting himself and others in danger.
She added that the case highlighted the risks associated with riding private e-scooters at speed and confirmed that such vehicles are treated in the same way as other mechanically propelled vehicles when offences are committed.
@westbridgfordwirenews As he made his way through St Ann’s and towards Nottingham City Centre, McCarthy ran through a red light and drive straight towards a bus, causing the vehicle to break sharpy. The unusual pursuit came to an end a short time later when McCarthy – riding in excess of 20mph – lost control near the junction with Lower Parliament street as he attempted to pass a bus. After tumbling to the ground McCarthy was swiftly detained by the pursuing officer and arrested. He later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving without a licence. . #nottingham ♬ Be Peace to Someone – Reality Now Music
