Understand
Driver jailed for high-speed M4 police chase and attacks on emergency workers
Overview
Martin Stokes, 20, has been jailed for two years and eight months after leading police on a high-speed chase reaching 140mph along the M4, driving the wrong way up slip roads, ramming police cars, and attempting to bite and headbutt officers. Stokes, who was disqualified from driving and had a 15-year-old passenger in the car, admitted to multiple offences including dangerous driving, assaulting emergency workers, and making threats to kill.
Key points
- Martin Stokes, 20, was jailed for two years and eight months at Swindon Crown Court.
- He reached speeds of up to 140mph during a police chase along the M4 and drove the wrong way up the A419 and A420.
- Stokes rammed police vehicles, injured an officer, and tried to headbutt and bite officers while threatening paramedics.
- At the time of the pursuit on 8 July, Stokes was already disqualified from driving, on conditional bail, and had a 15-year-old passenger in his Ford Mustang.
- The judge described him as a 'complete menace' with 24 previous convictions for 83 offences.
- Stokes was also banned from driving for more than six years and must take an extended retest.