A man who ‘recklessly’ drove at 80 miles per hour through Nottingham city centre has been jailed for fourteen months.
Stephen Simpson, 34, of Old Basford, was arrested on the evening Sunday 21 June when he was spotted driving at high-speed along Mapperley Top towards Nottingham city centre.
Nottinghamshire Police hastily deployed officers to bring the car to a safe stop. When they caught up with the Vauxhall Meriva at the junction of Mansfield Road and Forest Road, Simpson continued to drive at break-neck speed, travelling at nearly three times the 30mph speed limit.
As Simpson weaved his way around vehicles and drove on the opposite side of the road, cars were forced to take evasive action in order to avoid collisions.
He drove the car through red lights and overtook a bus around a blind corner.
Eventually, the car was brought to a stop thanks to specially trained officers who used Tactical Pursuit and Containment tactics. Simpson was arrested at the scene.
He was sentenced to fourteen months imprisonment for dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving while disqualified at Nottingham Crown Court today.
Detective Constable Nathan Bingham, who oversaw the investigation into the incident, said: “Simpson’s thoughtless and dangerous behaviour could have had fatal consequences.
“While he had put in himself in danger by driving at ridiculous speed through one of the busiest areas in the city and county, he had also endangered the lives of members of the public, as well as our officers.
“Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident thanks to the incredible skill of our officers who intercepted and apprehended Simpson.
“I welcome today’s sentence and hope it gives Simpson the opportunity to reflect on his mindless actions.
“As a force, we take driving offences very seriously and will always look to take action against those who commit such offences. Simpson was initially spotted by a member of the public who informed us of his erratic driving.
“Our communities play a vital role in helping our officers catch those responsible for criminal activity and I would encourage anyone who spots something suspicious to report it to Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or in an emergency, dial 999.”
