Banned driver led police on high-speed chase through town

Watch: Reckless driver causes chaos during high speed chase

A banned driver led police on a dangerous high-speed chase, ignoring red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road as he tried to escape.

Craig Gibbs, 32, was disqualified from driving when police tried to stop him, prompting the pursuit along the M5 and on roads near Bridgwater in Somerset.

At one point Gibbs topped 100mph as he tried to evade officers, with dramatic footage showing him ignoring traffic signals and driving on the wrong side of the road.

Earlier this year, driving while disqualified was included in a list of the most common motoring offences, according to research conducted by True Solicitors.

Craig Gibbs being chased by police.  A man who was recorded speeding at more than 100mph on the M5 in Somerset while under the influence of drugs has today (Wednesday 25 November) been jailed for 16 months.  See SWNS story SWBRchase.  Craig Gibbs was disqualified from driving when officers from the Roads Policing Unit received reports that he was driving a green Ford Focus on the A38 near Bridgwater on Monday 5 October. After he failed to stop for police, a pursuit commenced.  The 32-year-old reached speeds of 100mph as officers pursued him on the M5 to Wellington and back, eventually exiting at Junction 23 towards Bridgwater.  Having exited the motorway, Gibbs was seen to ignore red lights and drive on the wrong side of the road as he tried to evade police.  After turning onto a side road and colliding with several cars, officers were able to detain Gibbs when his car became wedged between parked vehicles, despite him attempting to force the vehicle through.  He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and failing to stop for police. Cannabis was seized from him and following a drugs test, he was later arrested for driving whilst unfit through drugs.
The Ford Focus was eventually forced down a side road where it collided with several cars. (SWNS)
Craig Gibbs.  A man who was recorded speeding at more than 100mph on the M5 in Somerset while under the influence of drugs has today (Wednesday 25 November) been jailed for 16 months.  See SWNS story SWBRchase.  Craig Gibbs was disqualified from driving when officers from the Roads Policing Unit received reports that he was driving a green Ford Focus on the A38 near Bridgwater on Monday 5 October. After he failed to stop for police, a pursuit commenced.  The 32-year-old reached speeds of 100mph as officers pursued him on the M5 to Wellington and back, eventually exiting at Junction 23 towards Bridgwater.  Having exited the motorway, Gibbs was seen to ignore red lights and drive on the wrong side of the road as he tried to evade police.  After turning onto a side road and colliding with several cars, officers were able to detain Gibbs when his car became wedged between parked vehicles, despite him attempting to force the vehicle through.  He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and failing to stop for police. Cannabis was seized from him and following a drugs test, he was later arrested for driving whilst unfit through drugs.
Craig Gibbs was disqualified when he led police on a high-speed chase after failing to stop. (SWNS)

The Ford Focus he was driving was eventually forced down a side road, where it collided with several parked cars.

After the crash, officers detained and arrested Gibbs, who was also found to be under the influence of drugs while driving.

Read more: Repairman stole £57,000 in benefits while lying to wife about being unemployed

He later admitted several charges including dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and possession of a class B drug.

The 32-year-old was jailed for 16 months at Taunton Crown Court and banned from driving for more than four years.

Craig Gibbs being chased by police.  A man who was recorded speeding at more than 100mph on the M5 in Somerset while under the influence of drugs has today (Wednesday 25 November) been jailed for 16 months.  See SWNS story SWBRchase.  Craig Gibbs was disqualified from driving when officers from the Roads Policing Unit received reports that he was driving a green Ford Focus on the A38 near Bridgwater on Monday 5 October. After he failed to stop for police, a pursuit commenced.  The 32-year-old reached speeds of 100mph as officers pursued him on the M5 to Wellington and back, eventually exiting at Junction 23 towards Bridgwater.  Having exited the motorway, Gibbs was seen to ignore red lights and drive on the wrong side of the road as he tried to evade police.  After turning onto a side road and colliding with several cars, officers were able to detain Gibbs when his car became wedged between parked vehicles, despite him attempting to force the vehicle through.  He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous drivin
During the chase, Gibbs ignored traffic signals and drove on the wrong side of the road. (SWNS)

Arresting officer PC Sam Donati said: “Gibbs' erratic and downright reckless driving last month put both himself and dozens of law-abiding motorists at risk.

“Knowing he was disqualified from driving he attempted to evade police with no thought for anyone's safety.”

He said he hoped the court result would act: “as a deterrent to any drivers that getting behind the wheel and driving dangerously, especially when disqualified or under the influence, can lead to a significant sentence”.

Watch: How England’s new three-tier COVID system will work

Advertisement