Kirkby's man's 'horrendous' high-speed police chase ends in court

A Kirkby man who led police on a 'horrendous' high-speed car chase over two counties which ended in a ditch, has been sent to Nottingham Crown Court to be sentenced.
Mansfield Magistrates CourtMansfield Magistrates Court
Mansfield Magistrates Court

Ben Hall sped off when officers in an unmarked car approached him, on Batley Lane, outside Pleasley, just before 1am, on October 10, last year.

His Renault Clio was clocked at 60mph as it drove down the “unlit, single track” road, said Lee Shepherd, prosecuting, and reached 70mph when it drove through a built-up area.

On the A617 it overtook an HGV at 80mph, only slowing slightly for a roundabout, before going through red traffic lights and reaching 100mph.

He crossed another roundabout, and ignored two more red lights, before turning back on himself and heading for Junction 29 of the M1.

Hall took the A6175 towards Clay Cross, the court heard, and the pursuit was joined by Derbyshire police, before he turned on to Tibshelf Road.

Mr Shepherd said the chase lasted around half an hour, at speeds ranging from 60mph to 100mph.

It came to an end when Hall lost control of the car turning on to a farm track and ended up in a ditch.

James Whyley, mitigating, said Hall made a prompt guilty plea, and had only one previous conviction, for criminal damage, from 2013.

Hall, 25, of Corner Pin Drive, admitting dangrous driving, and driving without insurance, when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court, on Wednesday.

He was granted unconditional bail to appear at Nottingham Crown Court, on April 5, because magistrates said the “horrendous” offence was too serious for their sentencing powers.

He was given an interim driving ban until then.

Related topics: