One-Armed Isle of Wight Man Jailed After Daring Double Police Chase
A 24-year-old man from Ryde, Isle of Wight, who has just one arm, has been locked up for 11 months following two high-speed police chases through local streets.
Reckless Rides Trigger High-Speed Pursuits
Joe ‘Joey’ Baker, described in court as “reckless but not harmless,” led officers on wild pursuits in Ryde and Newport, despite missing his lower left arm. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to surrender, and driving without insurance.
On 17 June, Baker sped away from police in a green Ford Focus through Pan estate. After the chase, he fled on foot but was soon surrounded and arrested amid locked roads and garden closures.
Police Helicopter Joins Hunt After Second Chase
Less than a month later, Baker struck again. He refused to stop in Ryde, prompting a large-scale search involving a police helicopter. During the pursuit, he nearly collided with a police car on Smallbrook Lane before abandoning a Hyundai Coupe on Sutton Close, Oakfield, and fleeing on foot once more.
Motivated by Proving Himself, Yet Facing Personal Struggles
Baker’s legal team told the court their client was “extremely stupid” and remorseful. Born without his lower left arm, Baker’s dangerous driving began as an attempt to prove he could operate like anyone else.
The court also heard of recent family hardships, including a miscarriage and a cancer diagnosis.
Multiple Aliases and Tough Penalties
Known by at least 12 different aliases, Baker was sentenced to 11 months in prison. He also faces a driving ban lasting nearly two-and-a-half years.
