Jake King, a 21-year-old resident of Maunder Close, Wincanton, has been sentenced after a series of serious driving offences including tailgating an unmarked police vehicle, driving while disqualified, and possession of a bladed article.
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 27, on the A30 near Ludwell, when King was seen tailgating an unmarked police car. While driving a black Audi, he broke the speed limit in a 30mph zone and overtook the police vehicle in a reckless manner. After being stopped, King initially refused to provide his details, questioning, “Are we really going to do this?”
Upon further investigation, King admitted to driving without a licence and being disqualified. He also confessed to using false registration plates on the vehicle. A Stanley knife was discovered on the driver’s seat, and the car was found unroadworthy due to exposed cord on the two front tyres. Consequently, police seized the vehicle.
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PC Hughes of the County Local Policing Tasking Team commented, “King’s actions, including driving without a licence or insurance, using false plates, and carrying a knife, represent serious breaches of the law. His reckless overtaking of an unmarked police vehicle in a 30mph zone endangered the public and will not be tolerated.”
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 29, King pleaded guilty to the offences. He received a five-month jail sentence, which has been suspended for 18 months, and must complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity.
Wiltshire Police emphasized their commitment to rigorous enforcement against such criminal activities, underscoring the importance of road safety and adherence to the law.