Drunk Driver’s Wild Police Chase Ends in Jail
High-Speed Escape Turns Dangerous
Appleton’s trouble began on 13 July 2020 when he was caught behind the wheel of a Citroen Picasso. Police in Rochester tried to stop him, flashing lights and sounding sirens, but he didn’t comply. The vehicle swerved dangerously through the Medway towns before the pursuit ended in Cliffe Woods, Rochester, after a stinger device punctured the Citroen’s tyres.
Breath Test Reveals Double the Legal Limit
The 33-year-old from Chelmar Road, Chatham, was arrested on the spot. Tests showed he had 73 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath—more than double the legal limit of 35. Further checks revealed Appleton was driving without a valid licence or insurance.
Back on the Road, Back in Trouble
Despite being released pending further investigation, Appleton was back behind the wheel on 9 November. This time, he was in a Peugeot, seen speeding and swerving through Gillingham. His reckless driving caused collisions with two cars on Railway Street. He tried to flee the scene but was tackled by an off-duty cop who chased him down on foot. Appleton was caught carrying a bottle of alcohol and then refused to provide a breath sample in custody.
Jail Time for Repeated Offences
At Maidstone Crown Court, Appleton pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including driving with excess alcohol, refusing a breath test, dangerous and careless driving, driving while disqualified, common assault, and driving without licence or insurance.
On 25 June 2021, he was sentenced to 13 months in prison and banned from driving for three and a half years, with an extended test required before returning to the road.
“Appleton’s reckless and selfish behaviour could easily have had fatal consequences,” said PC Sophie Lawrie. “His repeated offending shows he has little concern for other road users or public safety. I’m pleased the court recognised the seriousness of these offences with a custodial sentence. This should serve as a warning: there is never an excuse to drink and drive.”
