A dangerous driver who failed to stop for police and put lives at risk in Ramsgate has been jailed for three years.
Josh Chambers, 26, of no fixed address, was caught on three occasions driving dangerously in the town and trying to escape from officers – putting the lives of pedestrians and other motorists at risk.
He was first arrested on Wednesday, June 26 after a member of the public reported his driving in St Luke’s Avenue. Patrols attended and found the car in Clements Road. Chambers failed to stop for the officers who chased him for just over five minutes.
During this time he mounted a kerb, drove at speed and on the wrong side of the road. His car flew across junctions, through traffic lights and he made no attempt to stop despite the danger he posed.
Chambers drove close to two people on mobility scooters before squeezing through a narrow opening. He left his vehicle in Fairlight Avenue and tried to run from police but was caught up with and arrested.
On Friday, August 9 the victim of a car chase reported Chambers to police. He called 999 to say he was being pursued in the area of St John’s Road and that Chambers was close to his bumper. The incident continued towards the Lord of the Manor roundabout and the victim was concerned about the level of traffic and what would happen when the cars came to a stop. The victim tried to squeeze through the queues colliding with a number of vehicles causing some minor damage.
An off duty officer was in the traffic, saw what was happening and got out of his car to help but Chambers drove away. He was found later that day and further arrested.
On Tuesday, September 3 police caught Chambers, who was disqualified from driving, behind the wheel in Abbots Hill at around 3.30pm. They used the police car to block his path but when he realised what was happening he tried to reverse his car down the hill and away from patrols.
One officer was forced to smash his back windscreen to try and get him to stop as he was reversing at speed and in the direction of a woman who was crossing the road with a pram.
He was charged with three counts of dangerous driving, driving without insurance and whilst disqualified.
Chambers pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court yesterday (October 17). He has also been banned from driving for three years once he’s released from prison.
Investigating officer PC Michael Kingwell said: “Chambers poses significant harm to the public and has repeatedly put lives at risk. He didn’t once stop to consider the consequences of his actions and thought he could get away with his behaviour. Despite his attempts to stay under the radar our officers caught up with him and he’ll now serve time in jail due to the severity of his crimes.”
