Driver Disqualified After 110mph Police Pursuit While Intoxicated

An individual driving under the influence, who attained speeds of 110mph during a pursuit by law enforcement on a road in the Fens region, has received a driving disqualification. Simon Doherty, aged 22, residing at Long Green, Cressing, Essex, was observed by an off-duty police officer driving at excessive speed on the A141 in the direction of Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, approximately at 23:55 BST on 15 October, 2021. According to Cambridgeshire Police, Doherty passed a tractor and several lorries, navigated roundabouts incorrectly against the flow of traffic without his vehicle’s lights activated, and only came to a halt after colliding with a ditch, subsequently attempting to flee the scene. At Huntingdon Law Courts, Doherty admitted guilt to charges of dangerous driving, operating a vehicle without insurance, and driving without a valid licence. He received a sentence of 12 months imprisonment, which was suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was mandated to complete a thinking skills programme and perform 220 hours of unpaid community service. His driving disqualification is for 18 months, and he must successfully complete an extended driving test to regain his licence. The police force reported that throughout the pursuit, he extinguished the lights of his black Volvo XC90 and proceeded on the incorrect side of the road at speeds exceeding 100mph within an area designated as a 60mph zone. Motorists approaching from the opposite direction were compelled to take evasive action to avoid him. A breathalyser test administered at the location indicated that his alcohol level was double the legal limit for driving. PC Shelley Cannon stated: “This type of reckless driving endangers lives but thankfully no members of the public were hurt.” She added: “Drivers were, however, confronted with the terrifying sight of a vehicle on the wrong side of the road at night with no lights, and had to take evasive action to prevent a collision.”