Norfolk driver banned after dangerous 139mph police chase with lights off

A driver who hit speeds of 139mph and turned off his headlights to escape pursuing officers has received an 18-month driving ban.

Morgan Sapsford-Howard, 20, was arrested eight days after the red Ford Fiesta he was driving drew the attention of police on the A11 at Thetford, Norfolk Police stated.

Officers said the car had dangerously pushed past a coach on a roundabout, narrowly avoiding a collision, before speeding off at approximately 9.25pm on 11 March.

An officer turned on his emergency lights and siren, but Sapsford-Howard refused to stop and accelerated up to 139mph, according to police.

Norfolk Police said Sapsford-Howard, of Bunwell Road, Attleborough, repeatedly switched his headlights off and on throughout the pursuit.

When the vehicle exited main roads and drove into the village of East Harling, officers halted the chase because "it was unable to continue safely".

Sapsford-Howard was arrested on 19 March following an appeal to the public for information.

He admitted charges of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police at Norwich Magistrates’ Court, the force said.

Norfolk Police confirmed that Sapsford-Howard was handed an 18-month driving disqualification.

He was also ordered to pay £429 in fines and court costs, carry out 250 hours of unpaid work, and fulfill a rehabilitation activity requirement.

Officers noted that Sapsford-Howard initially insisted he could not have been the driver, claiming he was eating dinner and working out at a gym with a friend.

However, after being presented with location data from his mobile phone tracking his journey that night, alongside video footage of his vehicle in Thetford, he admitted both charges.

Investigating officer Pc Richard Roe said: "Sapsford-Howard’s actions that night were incredibly dangerous and could very easily have resulted in serious injury or loss of life.

"Driving at speeds approaching 140mph, ignoring police signals to stop, and deliberately making himself less visible shows a complete disregard for the safety of other road users.

"His behaviour in both high-speed roads and residential areas put countless people at risk, and it is sheer luck that no one was harmed.

"This sentence should serve as a clear reminder that such reckless decisions have serious consequences and will not be tolerated."