Northampton driver jailed after speeding at 140mph during police pursuit
The man also ignored traffic lights and drove the wrong way around a roundabout
A driver from Northampton has been jailed for 16 months after reaching speeds of up to 130mph during a police chase through residential streets.
28-year-old Gary McCarthy, of Ashtree Way, was pursued by Northamptonshire Police on the morning of July 23 after officers received multiple reports of a blue Ford Mondeo being driven dangerously on Wellingborough Road. Police soon located McCarthy via CCTV on Kingsley Park Terrace, before Armed Response officers spotted him in Raeburn Road.
During the pursuit, McCarthy discarded a beer can from his moving vehicle and taunted officers. He then failed to stop at a red light and performed an illegal right-hand turn. The chase intensified as McCarthy’s car accelerated to 130mph in 40mph zones, ignored traffic lights, and drove the wrong way around a roundabout.
The pursuit ended in Harborough Road North after McCarthy’s car collided with several parked vehicles, sustaining significant damage. He was arrested and charged with driving a motor vehicle dangerously, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and driving without insurance.
On July 25, McCarthy pleaded guilty to the offences at Northampton Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody. On September 5, Northampton Crown Court sentenced him to 16 months imprisonment and a 26-month driving ban. He must also pass an extended driving test to regain his licence.
Investigation officer PC James Brookes commented: “We see the devastating impact that drivers such as Gary McCarthy cause on our roads through their reckless driving behaviour. McCarthy’s dangerous efforts to avoid the police demonstrated his complete disregard for the safety of himself and other innocent road users, who were forced to take evasive action due to his selfish behaviour. Reducing the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads continues to be a priority for our team, and so I am pleased that the courts have helped to remove another irresponsible and illegal driver from our roads.”
In 2024, 31 people have lost their lives and 243 have suffered serious or life-changing injuries following collisions in Northamptonshire.
Anyone with information about road safety concerns or vehicle crime is urged to report it online or call 101.