Norwich man jailed for dangerous driving after police pursuit
High-speed chase involved stolen car, red lights, and wrong-side driving
A 39-year-old man has been jailed after leading police on a dangerous high-speed pursuit through Norwich.
Adrian Read, of Gas Hill in Norwich, appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court on 17th December 2025, where he admitted charges including dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, taking a vehicle without consent, and failing to provide a blood specimen.
He has been sentenced to one year in prison and disqualified from driving for 56 months. He was also ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £187.
The incident occurred on 15th December 2025 at around 5.20pm on Thorpe Road, Norwich, when police spotted a silver Ford Focus, reported stolen, heading towards Carrow Road. Officers signalled for the driver to stop, but Read refused, sparking a high-speed pursuit.
During the chase, Read drove at speeds exceeding 60mph in a 30mph zone, crossed to the wrong side of the road multiple times, and passed through two red lights. Officers called off the pursuit due to the risk to public safety. Read later came to a stop outside Norwich train station, where traffic prevented further escape. After fleeing on foot, he was detained by police following a short chase.
His passenger, a woman in her 30s, was arrested on suspicion of theft, possession of class A drugs, and taking a vehicle without consent. She has been released on bail until 15th March 2026, while investigations continue.
PC Hall, who was involved in the arrest, described Read’s driving as exceptionally dangerous.
“This is one of the worst cases of dangerous driving I have seen during my career as a police officer,” PC Hall said. “Read chose to drive in a manner which fell far below that of a careful and competent driver, putting many lives at risk.
"Thankfully nobody was injured or killed as a result of Read’s actions that day. I am pleased that he has been removed from Norfolk’s roads for the foreseeable future.”
Norfolk Police highlighted its campaign to fast-track court dates for drink or drug driving offences throughout December. The initiative aims to swiftly remove dangerous drivers from roads, helping to improve safety across the county.