Rotherham driver who reached 145mph on the M18 during police pursuit is jailed for 10 months

Mitchell Kemp, 22, of Victoria Road, was wanted by police after making threats to kill towards offficers on January 11 this year.

However, after he failed to stop his blue VW Scirocco on the A1 when asked to do so, a police pursuit began.

During the chase, PC Ashley Leech of the force’s roads policing unit said Kemp failed to stop for red lights, reached speeds of 145 mph and drove against the flow of traffic on roundabouts.

He said: “During the pursuit Kemp has caused innocent motorists to react, brake and move out of his way by driving erratically.

“During a pursuit officers are continuously risk assessing and taking factors of people’s safety into consideration.

“As the pursuit continued, Kemp drove down the hard shoulder of the M18, undertaking vehicles at speeds of 130mph and 145mph, including lorries.

“At this point the National Police Air Service (NPAS) arrived to assist us and took over; Kemp continued to drive off the M18 at Junction 4.

“NPAS followed Kemp and witnessed him drive against the flow of traffic at roundabouts and through road works, until he stopped his vehicle at a carpark in Edenthorpe. Officers attended and he was quickly arrested.”

Once Kemp was arrested, Kemp tested positive for cocaine in his system and was taken to hospital to provide a blood sample which he failed to do and was subsequently charged.

Appearing before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court yesterday (February 11) charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop for officers and failing to provide a specimen for analysis, Kemp was sentenced to 10 months in prison and disqualified from driving for two years and five months.

PC Leech continued: “Drivers who fail to stop pose a risk to other road users, and we usually find that those evading police are linked to further criminality or offences and are more likely to take risks, like driving while under the influence of drugs.

“We will continue to work to create safer roads across South Yorkshire.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.