Driver jailed after stolen Mustang pursuit endangered hundreds of lives
Martin Stokes, 20, drove a stolen Ford Mustang against traffic on the A419 during a police pursuit, with a 15-year-old child in the car. Police said his actions put hundreds of lives at risk; footage shows near collisions with police vehicles, motorcyclists, cars and lorries.
The chase lasted at least seven minutes, including about 3.6 miles on the wrong side of the carriageway, before officers stopped him on the A420. Stokes threatened to kill officers and paramedics after his arrest. He pleaded guilty to 13 offences at Swindon Crown Court and was jailed for two years and eight months, with a driving ban of six years and four months.
- Stokes drove a stolen Mustang against traffic with a child in the car.
- The wrong-way stretch lasted about 3.6 miles.
- He received a prison sentence and a six-year driving ban.
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A police pursuit happens when officers try to stop a vehicle whose driver has not pulled over. On dual carriageways such as the A419, traffic travels in separate directions, so driving against it can bring a car directly towards other road users.
The case centres on Martin Stokes, who was 20 and driving a stolen Ford Mustang, with a 15-year-old in the car. Police said the pursuit brought the vehicle close to police cars, motorcyclists, other cars and lorries, illustrating the danger that high-speed chases can pose to people who are not involved.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Moment criminal drives wrong way down dual carriageway in stolen Ford Mustang in death-defying chase before threatening to murder police who stopped him”.