Driver jailed after high speed pursuit

Robert Freeman, 27, was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

The carpenter, from Shottermill, Horsham, was also banned from driving for three years and ordered to pay a £140 victim surcharge when he was sentenced on Friday April 15.

A statement from Sussex Police said: At 11.55am on 18 March, police became aware of an Audi Q7 after it triggered an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera in Crawley.

“It later triggered another camera in the town and was seen to travel towards Horsham.

“Officers from the Sussex Police Roads Policing Unit identified the vehicle prior to the Robin Hood Roundabout on the A24 southbound, and it was followed onto the A264 towards Five Oaks.

“Shortly afterwards, the vehicle failed to stop when signalled to do so by police and a pursuit ensued.

“During the pursuit, the vehicle was driven at high speeds and in a dangerous manner in a narrow country road, before officers lost sight of it.

“The vehicle was later found parked at the rear of a farm in West Chiltington Lane, near Coolham, at about 1pm, where Freeman was arrested and taken into custody.”

Investigating officer Peter King-Fisher said: “Freeman was witnessed driving on the A24 – while disqualified and uninsured – at speeds in excess of 90mph right in front of a marked police car. He then pulled off onto the A264 and stopped at a set of temporary traffic lights. With police behind him and the lights still red, he sped through into oncoming traffic, forcing other motorists out of the way.

“We pursued Freeman but lost him as he travelled at 80mph along Bashurst Hill, which is a very narrow country lane. The manner of his driving throughout was disgraceful and a lot of other motorists had to take evasive action to avoid a collision. He could quite easily have caused a serious accident.

“His sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences he committed and the complete disregard he showed for other road users.”

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