Banned driver hid in bush after high-speed chase

A dangerous driver who led officers on a high-speed chase has been jailed after he was found hiding in a bush by a police dog.

Jack Williamson reached speeds of more than 70mph (112km/h) in 30mph (48km/h) zones as he drove through Sutton-in-Ashfield in Nottinghamshire on 14 September, police said.

After abandoning the car in a pub car park in Alfreton Road, Williamson - who was already disqualified from driving - hid in shrubbery until police dog Seth sniffed him out, tracing his scent from the driver's seat of the car.

Williamson, of Farnsworth Grove in Huthwaite, was jailed for 14 months at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday.

Nottinghamshire Police said at one point during the pursuit, Williamson sped through a pedestrian area, causing a woman with a pushchair to scramble out of the way.

Police said he also also drove on the wrong side of the road, mounted a kerb to overtake other road users and drove through red lights.

The 29-year-old - who had previously been jailed for a similar offence - gave himself up to officers after being caught and later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.

Det Sgt Clint Gloyn said: "All-in-all, he had little choice but to plead guilty and will now spend more time behind bars as a result."

Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.