A man who led police on a high-speed chase through Swindon’s streets has been jailed just a day after his arrest.
Reuben Brown, 29, of no fixed address, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court where he admitted dangerous driving and driving without insurance. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and banned from driving for 17 months, with an order to take an extended re-test.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of 1 August when officers were alerted to a vehicle entering Wiltshire on the M4 eastbound. The black Seat Arona, driven by Brown, left the motorway at junction 16 before heading along the A3102 towards Blagrove.
Police officers attempted a pre-emptive stop, but Brown mounted the pavement to escape, narrowly missing one of them. What followed was a dangerous pursuit through Swindon, with Brown reaching speeds of 90mph, driving the wrong way around roundabouts and even heading the wrong way down Old Town’s Wood Street.
The chase came to an end when Brown lost control turning onto Downs View Road from Marlborough Road, crashing into a garden wall. He then fled on foot but was caught after a short pursuit and arrested.
In addition to the driving offences, Brown was wanted on recall to prison. He appeared in court the very next day where he entered guilty pleas and was sentenced in the same hearing.
Sergeant Benson of the Roads Policing Unit said Brown’s actions placed both the public and officers in real danger. “His driving was incredibly reckless and could easily have ended in tragedy. I’m pleased he was swiftly dealt with through the courts and hope this outcome sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated on Wiltshire’s roads.”
