'Dangerous' driver mounted pavements during high-speed chase through Mansfield
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Robert Townsend, 32, fled from officers as they attempted to pull him over on St Margaret Street, in Mansfield, on the afternoon of Friday, November 22.
After accelerating away from the pursuing vehicle Townsend drove at speeds of between 50mph and 70mph as he recklessly endangered the lives of other road users.
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Hide AdOn Littleworth he was recorded driving at a speed of 50mph, before hitting 60mph as he drove along Berry Hill Road.
As he approached a double roundabout he overtook two cars – forcing them to take avoiding action – before mounting pavements and a grass verge.
After abandoning the vehicle – which was also being driven on false plates – Townsend was arrested and found to be in possession of two small wraps of cannabis.
Appearing at Nottingham, Crown Court on Wednesday, Townsend, of Bramcote Court, Mansfield, was given a 10 month prison sentence suspended for 18 months for dangerous driving.
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Hide AdHe was also given further three month and one month sentences, to run concurrently, for having a fraudulent registration and possession of cannabis. In addition he was disqualified from driving for 12 months.
Detective Constable Melanie Young, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was an appalling display of driving by a man who very clearly gave no thought at all to the safety of others. By driving at such reckless speeds through residential areas he placed the lives of fellow road users and pedestrians at risk – all in a futile bid to avoid our officers.
“I cannot overstate just how reckless his actions were that day and would also like to pay tribute to the skill and professionalism of the pursuing officers who were able to bring this pursuit to a safe conclusion.
“Reckless and dangerous driving causes too many deaths and serious injuries on our roads and will never be tolerated on the streets of Nottinghamshire."