A Nigerian man, Michael Chiedu Nwanze, has been sentenced to 13 months’ imprisonment in the United Kingdom after admitting to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and failing to stop for police.
According to a statement released by Northamptonshire Police on Thursday, officers had attempted to stop 23 year old Nwanze on March 10 after the vehicle he was driving was flagged as uninsured. Instead of pulling over, he accelerated away, weaving through Northampton streets before joining the A45, where the pursuit continued towards Wellingborough.
His attempt to escape came to an end near the Wilby Way roundabout after he became trapped in heavy traffic and crashed into several vehicles while trying to force his way through. Officers then boxed in his car and arrested him at the scene.
Nwanze pleaded guilty at Northampton Crown Court in April and was sentenced in June.
Reacting to the conviction, the investigating officer, PC Thomas Williams of Northamptonshire Police’s Roads Policing Team, described the Nwanze’s conduct as reckless.
“Nwanze’s actions that day showed a complete disregard for the safety of other road users and pedestrians,” Williams said. The officer said the he drove at excessive speeds, ignored traffic signals and endangered “countless people” in a desperate attempt to avoid arrest.
