Lawrence Oakford, 33, of Hamilton Drive, Market Lavington, has been sentenced following a dangerous high-speed pursuit that took place last month. Oakford reached speeds exceeding 130mph during rush hour and failed to stop for police, leading to a chase that had to be abandoned due to the extreme danger posed to other road users.
The incident occurred at approximately 5.30pm on Friday, April 12th, when roads policing officers spotted Oakford overtaking dangerously on the A4361 from Wroughton towards Berwick Bassett.
Despite attempts by officers to apprehend him, Oakford continued to perform hazardous manoeuvres, including overtaking on solid white lines and reaching alarmingly high speeds.
Due to the increasing danger, particularly as Oakford neared small villages where pedestrians might be present, the pursuit was called off. However, Oakford was not able to evade justice for long. He was arrested two days later at his home address.
Appearing at Salisbury Magistrates Court on May 5th, Oakford pleaded guilty to failing to stop for police and dangerous driving. He received a 24-week imprisonment sentence, suspended for 24 months, and was disqualified from obtaining a licence for 24 months. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £85 in Crown Prosecution Costs and a £154 surcharge.
PC Ben Greening from the Roads Policing Unit expressed his relief at the outcome, stating, “The speeds at which Oakford reached whilst failing to stop for police were absolutely unacceptable, especially given this was during a busy time of day and approaching areas where there were likely to be pedestrians.
“He showed a total disregard for other road users and it is really quite extraordinary that nobody was injured or worse killed as a result of his stupidity.
“I am pleased he has been taken off the roads and no longer poses a danger to others.”
