Reckless Driver Jailed After High-Speed Chase Through Surrey Towns
A 42-year-old man has landed behind bars after a terrifying police chase through Thames Ditton and East Molesey last August.
Scott Neil Stockbridge, from Brentford, was slammed with a 14-month prison sentence at Kingston Crown Court on 7 September. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving while disqualified, no insurance, and refusing a drugs test.
Chase Hits Speeds of Over 100mph
Police first spotted Stockbridge speeding dangerously in a black BMW estate in Thames Ditton on 3 August. He bolted, tearing through East Molesey and towards Walton at breakneck speed.
Officers abandoned the chase as Stockbridge blasted through a busy town centre at over 100mph. But he was soon tracked on the A3 by a police helicopter, continuing his reckless driving towards Milford and then weaving through back roads near Farnham.
Crash and Grab: Police Vehicles Damaged
Officers finally forced the BMW to a halt on Frensham Road. Stockbridge tried to escape through the driver’s door window, but cops quickly detained him.
In the takedown, three police cars were damaged — thankfully, no injuries were reported.
‘A Menace Off the Roads for Good,’ Says Police
“Stockbridge was already on licence for similar offences and was driving illegally when caught,” said Sgt Phil Dix of Surrey Police Roads Policing Unit. “His reckless actions during the busy daytime chase put lives at risk.
“Now he’s behind bars and disqualified from driving for over five years, Stockbridge won’t be a threat on our roads for a long time. This sends a clear message — we will not tolerate dangerous drivers.”
Stockbridge must also pass an extended driving test before getting behind the wheel again and faces a £165 victim surcharge.
