A dangerous driver who led police on a high-speed pursuit from Handcross to Brighton has been jailed and banned from driving for 10 years.
Anthony Yewman, 46, of no fixed address, reached speeds of up to 60mph in a 30mph zone after initially stopping for officers at Handcross around 11.35pm on 16 May. Instead of complying, he fled southbound along the A23.
Yewman was seen overtaking on blind bends, undertaking other vehicles, and driving with reckless disregard for road safety—posing a serious risk to other road users.
The pursuit came to an end near the Mill Road roundabout at Patcham, where he lost control and struck a kerb, damaging the blue Ford Mondeo he was driving. Officers from Sussex Police’s Roads Policing Unit then used specialist tactics to safely stop him near Preston Park.
He was arrested at the scene and later charged with multiple offences, including dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, fraudulent use of a vehicle registration mark, and breaching a restraining order.
Yewman appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 19 May and admitted all charges. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and disqualified from driving for 10 years.
PC Max Setra from the Roads Policing Unit said:
“Yewman’s driving was reckless and he was fortunate not to have caused injuries to himself and his passenger.
“We know that speeding is the cause of one in three collisions in Sussex, and drivers like Yewman pose a significant danger to others.
“We are committed to removing dangerous drivers from the roads and are pleased he is now serving a custodial sentence.”
Police continue to patrol Sussex’s roads as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the “fatal five” causes of serious crashes—excess speed, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, distraction, and careless driving.
