Derby motorist jailed after high-speed chase with police
Disqualified driver hit police car head-on during dangerous pursuit
A disqualified driver who endangered lives by speeding at 90mph and colliding with a police car has been jailed.
Philip Hutchinson, 54, reached alarming speeds during a police pursuit on 18th December in Derby after officers spotted his vehicle, a Kia Sportage, near Pentagon roundabout, suspecting the driver was disqualified.
Ignoring police signals to stop, Hutchinson sped off towards the M1, breaking multiple traffic laws as he went, including contravening keep left signs, driving on the wrong side of the road, and running a red light. He drove at 90mph in a 50mph zone and 70mph in a 30mph zone.
Further escalating the chase, Hutchinson rammed a police car, drove into a closed lane with working workmen, and navigated the junction 25 roundabout of the M1 in the wrong direction before attempting to enter the A52 slip road incorrectly.
An unmarked police car attempting to box Hutchinson in on the A52 slip road encountered the Kia head-on, resulting in the officer suffering whiplash and concussion.
Hutchinson, of no fixed address, was charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, using a vehicle without insurance, assault causing actual bodily harm, and criminal damage. After admitting the offences, he appeared for sentencing at Derby Crown Court on 3rd August, receiving a jail term of three years and five months alongside a driving ban effective until he passes an extended retest.
According to authorities, Hutchinson's sentence also reflects several other offences he was sentenced for simultaneously, including stalking, shoplifting, and breaking bail conditions.
Sergeant Scott Riley from the Roads Policing Unit commented on Hutchinson's manner of driving, saying:
“Hutchinson’s driving fell well below that of a competent and safe driver, and was even more dangerous given the fact that on the night of the pursuit there was very heavy rain, meaning the road surface was very slippery.
“He was already banned from driving and showed absolutely no regard for the safety of any other road users, instead choosing to deliberately drive straight towards a police car, injuring the officer in the process.
“Two police cars were damaged trying to bring Hutchinson to a stop before he could cause any more problems or further injuries.
“He finally took responsibility for his reckless actions by pleading guilty in court and is now quite rightly serving a prison sentence and extended driving ban.”