Michael Cash reached speeds of over 100mph while leading officers on a lengthy pursuit across Nottinghamshire’s roads.
Firearms officers managed to stay on his tail for around 15 minutes as Cash continued to drive in a dangerous and erratic manner.
Having initially spotted the Ford Transit van travelling northbound on the M1, police switched on their blue lights and tried to pull it over.
Cash ignored those orders and instead decided to perform a series of dangerous manoeuvres on roads between Barlborough and Worksop.
The lengthy pursuit finally ended when the motorist deliberately crashed through a set of locked gates, near Torworth, and sprang from the van.
The crew on a National Police Air Service (NPAS) aircraft had been following his vehicle overhead using thermal imaging cameras.
This carried on when the driver tried to flee on foot through nearby woodland, with officers on the ground zeroing-in on his location – thanks to the eyes in the sky.
Aided by a police dog and handler and continued NPAS intel from above, police quickly tracked Cash down – prompting him to emerge from a bush with his hands up.
He was at that point placed in handcuffs and arrested following the search late on 1 December last year.
The 34-year-old would go on to be charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop, criminal damage, and driving while disqualified and without a valid licence.
Cash, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to each offence on 7 January at Nottingham Crown Court, with a sentencing date then set for this Wednesday (14 January).
Appearing via video link, Cash was labelled a “menace on the roads” by Judge Steven Coupland, who sentenced him to 21 months behind bars.
He was also banned from driving for three years and nine months, and will then need to pass an extended retest before he’s allowed to drive again.
PC Abby Mason, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“The standard of Cash’s driving throughout this ordeal was incredibly dangerous and fell far below what is acceptable.
“Having initially been spotted on the motorway, he ignored repeated orders to pull over and instead decided to drive at speed up and down country roads.
“Despite the blue lights flashing behind him, Cash continued to perform a series of erratic manoeuvres before eventually crashing his van and trying to run away.
“He was unsuccessful on that front though – thanks to some fantastic teamwork between the pursuing officers on the ground and the NPAS crew flying above.
“We’re grateful for NPAS’ ongoing support, which played a key role in helping us catch this fleeing motorist that night and bring him before the courts.”
• Nottingham Station footbridge – platform access to be closed at weekends
