Drink-Driver Smashes into Three Police Cars in High-Speed Chase – Jailed for Two Years
A reckless drink-driver who rammed three police cars while trying to outrun officers at breakneck speeds has been locked up. Martin Ralfs, 58, from Southampton, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, drink-driving, and breaching a restraining order.
Crash Chaos on the M27
Early on April 2, Ralfs caught police attention speeding at 90mph along the M27 in his Honda Accord. After zooming past a marked patrol near Junction 5, he was followed to Junction 1, where he slowed but swerved dangerously across lanes.
When police tried to pull him over at Stoney Cross on the A31, Ralfs made a deadly move. Instead of stopping, he rammed an officer’s car and sped off at 100mph, with officers in hot pursuit.
High-Speed Mayhem and Police Smashes
Ralfs’ wild ride hit its peak when he reached 127mph near St Leonards and headed back towards the M27. Three policing units set a tactical containment to stop him safely. Ignoring orders, Ralfs crashed into the backs of two police vehicles.
- One police car spun into the central reservation,
- The other skidded into the carriageway,
- Both lost rear wheels and were written off.
Ralfs finally stopped on the hard shoulder, suffering minor injuries before his arrest. The motorway was shut for hours for forensic investigations, and three officers suffered whiplash and bruising.
Justice Served: Two Years Behind Bars
Tests confirmed Ralfs was over the drink-drive limit. Southampton Crown Court jailed him for:
- 12 months for dangerous driving,
- 3 months for drink-driving (concurrent),
- 12 months for breaching a restraining order (consecutive).
Total sentence: two years in prison, plus a one-year driving ban starting post-release.
“It was sheer luck that no one was seriously injured or killed as a result of Mr Ralfs’ reckless driving,” said Sergeant Mark Furse.
“Our officers were simply doing their job, yet this man risked their lives and others by speeding off. His attempts to evade police were futile. I hope this sentencing sends a clear message: drink-driving and speeding are deadly risks with serious consequences.”
