Banned driver jailed for three years after driving nearly double the speed limit through Chesterfield

A banned driver who drove off from police at nearly twice the speed limit through busy Chesterfield streets has been jailed for three years.

Officers were driving in a marked police car in Malson Way at 10.10am on 12 December 2025 when a grey VW Golf suddenly drove off at speed.

Behind the wheel was Jack Cartwright, who knew he was banned from driving.

He led officers on a pursuit through the town, driving at speeds of more than 50mph in a 30mph limit – overtaking other cars at speed on the wrong side of the road and tailgating drivers to make them move out of the way.

However, as the 22-year-old attempted to avoid a line of traffic he ran out of talent and ran straight into a bush.

With his door jammed closed Cartwright wriggled free of the car through his open window – but was quickly detained by an officer after a short foot pursuit.

Cartwright was charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. He was remanded to police custody but then bailed by the courts after appearing at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on 13 December 2025.

Following a guilty plea to all charges Cartwright appeared at Derby Crown Court on 30 April where he was handed three years in jail.