A suspected drink driver who dangerously hit speeds of up to 80mph in the dark without headlights on has been jailed. Spencer Bassett travelled on the wrong side of the road as he fled from us in his Audi during the early hours of Boxing Day last year. The 22-year-old tried to shake of Police traffic cop, Sergeant Mitch Darby, who skillfully managed to keep Bassett in his sights as he tried to flee through Kingstanding.
Bassett, of Kelynmead Road, Lea Hall, even went off road to try and shake us off and avoid being caught to face justice. As the net closed in he came to a stop in Marshmont Way, but we quickly swooped and detained him at taser-point to ensure there was definitely no escape. Bassett pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment at Birmingham Magistrates Court last Tuesday (19 May). He will also be banned from the road for two years upon his release.
Sergeant Darby said: “Bassett was determined to try and avoid being caught which included recklessly driving without his headlights on. “The advanced driving training kicked in and we were able to ensure he didn’t escape punishment and must serve time behind bars.