Man drove 'erratically' at 80mph through Nottingham city centre

A man who 'erratically' drove at 80 miles per hour through Nottingham city centre has been jailed for 14 months.

On the evening of Sunday, June 21, Stephen Simpson, 34, was spotted driving at high-speed along Mapperley Top, towards the city centre.

Police, deployed to bring the car to a safe stop, caught up with the Vauxhall Meriva at the junction of Mansfield Road and Forest Road.

But Simpson, of Barlock Road, Old Basford, continued to drive at speed, travelling at nearly three times the 30mph speed limit.

As he weaved his way around vehicles, and drove on the opposite side of the road, cars were forced to take evasive action in order to avoid collision.

Simpson drove the car through red lights and overtook a bus around a blind corner.

Eventually the car was brought to a stop and Simpson was arrested at the scene.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday, July 21, Simpson was sentenced to 14 months in prison for dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving while disqualified.

Detective Constable Nathan Bingham, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Simpson’s thoughtless and dangerous behaviour could have had fatal consequences.

Stephen Simpson, 34, Barlock Road, Old Basford, drove through red lights and overtook a bus around a blind corner. (Nottinghamshire Police)

“While he had put in himself in danger by driving at ridiculous speed through one of the busiest areas in the city and county, he had also endangered the lives of members of the public, as well as our officers.

“Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident thanks to the incredible skill of our officers who intercepted and apprehended Simpson.

“I welcome today’s sentence and hope it gives Simpson the opportunity to reflect on his mindless actions.

“As a force, we take driving offences very seriously and will always look to take action against those who commit such offences.

"Simpson was initially spotted by a member of the public who informed us of his erratic driving.

“Our communities play a vital role in helping our officers catch those responsible for criminal activity and I would encourage anyone who spots something suspicious to report it to Nottinghamshire Police on 101 - or, in an emergency, dial 999.”