Driving ban after dangerous pursuit

Nathanael James Saxby, of Crown Place, sobbed in court as the chase was described.

He admitted driving a vehicle dangerously, knowing it had been taken without the owner’s consent and driving without insurance or licence.

The court heard how Saxby took the Vauxhall Vivaro delivery van in Elkesley at around 3.15pm on 21st February.

The delivery driver had tried to stop the van. But police soon traced it and had patrol cars following behind, lights and sirens blaring. A helicopter also tracked it from the air. But Saxby did not stop.

The court heard the van was driven up to 60mph, performing dangerous overtakes and forcing other motorists to give way.

Once in Worksop, Saxby drove down Newcastle Avenue, mounting the pavement to avoid a parked vehicle, turning left onto Watson Road before going the wrong way down one-way Ryton Street. Here he jumped from the van and fled on foot, but was caught after a short chase.

Defending, Ian Pridham said Saxby had ‘panicked’ and kept driving when he realised the police were behind him. He said he was ‘ashamed’ and had been ‘used’ by others in his desperation for quick cash.

Magistrates branded the driving ‘crazy’. They imposed a year-long driving ban, community order, 200 hours’ unpaid work and £145 in costs.