Crawley high-speed chase ends with driver jailed
Carlos Diago Silva attempted to evade police reaching speeds of over 100mph
A high-speed police chase through Crawley has ended with the driver being jailed after trying to outrun officers in a dangerous pursuit.
On 28th October, officers from Sussex Police Specialist Enforcement Unit spotted a Volkswagen Golf on Horsham Road driving aggressively and without insurance.
The driver refused to stop for officers and sped away, reaching speeds of up to 100mph in a 50mph zone and ignoring a red light.
After using tactical contact to stop the car, the driver fled on foot but was quickly identified through CCTV and evidence left behind, including a mobile phone and a McDonald’s receipt.
Capture and Court
On 7th May, Carlos Diago Silva from Bewbush, pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.
He was sentenced to 14 months in prison, received a three-and-a-half-year driving ban, and must pass an extended driving test to regain his licence.
Inspector Ollie Pullen of the Specialist Enforcement Unit stated: "Silva made a conscious decision not to stop for police, knowing he was disqualified from driving and should not have been behind the wheel. What followed...is some of the worst driving I have seen, placing members of the public at significant risk."
"I am pleased that the court recognised the seriousness of this offending and reflected it in the sentence imposed. Despite running from the vehicle, he was traced through forensic, CCTV and other enquiries," Pullen added.
"In this case, officers used tactical contact to safely bring the pursuit to a conclusion. Where it is necessary and proportionate, our officers will continue to use their training and tactics to protect our communities and catch criminals," the inspector emphasised.