Barnsley Man Jailed for Dangerous Police Chase with Baby Unrestrained
Martin McDonagh, 27, from New Street, Barnsley, has been locked up for 26 months. He’s also banned from driving for over four years after a reckless police pursuit with a baby unsecured in the back of his car.
Wild Police Chase Ends in Arrest
On 2 August 2020, cops tried to stop McDonagh’s silver VW Bora on Newbold Road, but he sped off, weaving around police vehicles and mounting the pavement to escape. The chase continued along Corporation Street, where he ran a red light, forcing other vehicles to slam on the brakes.
He then turned onto St Matthew Street, narrowly missing two pedestrians who had to freeze mid-crossing before finally stopping. Officers were horrified to find a baby, believed to be under six months old, completely unrestrained in the back seat during the high-speed drama.
Eight Charges Including Child Neglect and Dangerous Driving
McDonagh was taken into custody at Leamington Police Station. The next day, he faced eight charges:
- Dangerous driving
- Driving while disqualified
- Driving without insurance
- Child under 3 unrestrained in rear seat
- Obstructing and resisting police
- Failing to stop
- Using false registration documents
- Child neglect
He pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court and received his sentence.
Police Condemn His Reckless Behaviour
“Martin McDonagh had no consideration for the safety of others,” said PC Batchelder. “He jumped a red light, causing vehicles to halt and narrowly missed pedestrians. The most shocking part was the baby left unrestrained throughout the chase. Luckily, the child wasn’t hurt. This sentence shows the seriousness of his crimes. He was disqualified and uninsured and shouldn’t have been behind the wheel.”
