Dangerous Driver Led Officers On City Centre Pursuit

A dangerous driver who led officers on a 25-minute pursuit across Cambridge has been sentenced.

Robert Newsome, 29, was driving on the eastbound carriageway of the A428 at about 12.30am, on 25 November 2019, when he veered into the outside lane and just missed a police car on patrol.

After braking sharply to avoid hitting Newsome's white Vauxhall Astra, officers distanced themselves and requested back up while observing his driving. However, Newsome then did a three-point-turn and quickly drove off.

The officers followed Newsome on blue lights but he refused to stop and a pursuit began. Officers from the Road Police Unit attempted to box Newsome in but he crashed into the police car and continued into the city centre where he drove through red lights and at speeds of 80mph in a 30mph limit zone.

Officers then found the car parked in Chesterton Road and Newsome was arrested.

A roadside breath test revealed Newsome was over the legal alcohol limit and he was taken into custody at Parkside Police Station.

Newsome, of Newmarket Road, Stow-cum-Quy, admitted dangerous driving and was sentenced to a year in prison, suspended for two years, at Cambridge Crown Court.

He was also disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to take a retest.

PC Hayley Mitchell said: "Newsome's reckless behaviour put himself and all those around him in danger.

"He went to great lengths to evade officers but I am pleased he was caught and brought before the courts."