Disqualified driver hid in garden after high-speed chase
A disqualified motorist attempted to evade arrest by hiding in a garden in Weston-super-Mare after a police pursuit. Avon and Somerset Police[1] said the incident unfolded on Friday (November 24) after officers spotted a black Citreon C2, which they suspected was stolen.
The car, being driven by 28-year-old Zachary Williams, sped off and sparked a chase around the town[2] and seafront, with the National Air Police Service helicopter assisting. The force said that after around 20 minutes, Williams parked the car in the Milton area of Weston and then tried to hide from officers in a garden, but he was soon located and arrested.
Williams, of Caerphilly, pleaded guilty during a hearing at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court[3] to charges of dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving with no insurance and failure to provide a specimen for analysis. He is due to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court[4] on December 12.
WEATHER NEWS: Met Office issues severe snow and ice warning for Somerset[5]
TRAFFIC AND TRAVEL: Key A30 roadworks to continue over Christmas as repairs pushed back[6]
The incident happened during Road Safety Week, a national campaign highlighting the issues around speeding and other motoring offences. PC Marcus Cookson said: “Williams travelled at excessive speeds during rush-hour across large parts of Weston-super-Mare, including the seafront, in an effort to avoid arrest.
“Between pursuit-trained officers on the ground and NPAS’ skilled pilots, he was unsuccessful and will be sentenced in a couple of weeks’ time after an efficient investigation. It is pleasing to get another reckless motorist off the roads, especially as it coincided with Road Safety Week in which we have sought to raise awareness of dangerous driving.”
References
- ^ Avon and Somerset Police (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ the town (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ North Somerset Magistrates’ Court (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Bristol Crown Court (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Met Office issues severe snow and ice warning for Somerset (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Key A30 roadworks to continue over Christmas as repairs pushed back (www.somersetlive.co.uk)