95mph police pursuit of banned driver between King's Lynn and Wisbech

The police pursuit of a banned driver between King's Lynn and Wisbech reached speeds of 95mph.

Nicholas Lyons, 32, was in a Ford Focus and outran the officer but he was arrested at his Terrington St John home a short time later after abandoning the vehicle.

King's Lynn Magistrates' Court heard that Lyons claimed he had not been out that night but had mud on his shoes.

The defendant did not appear for his scheduled hearing on Thursday (19) but the case was found proved in his absence.

He was convicted of driving while disqualified, driving without due care and attention, failing to stop for a police officer and having no insurance.

Prosecutor Denise Holland said a police officer first followed the car at about 7.20pm on August 21 after suspecting it was being driven by a banned driver.

Lyons was signalled to pull over at Saddlebow and initially reduced his speed but then accelerated and a pursuit began.

Mrs Holland said the officer was able to get a good view of the driver at one point and called for back-up from the force helicopter.

"Towards Pullover speeds were in excess of 80mph," she added. "On the A47 towards Wisbech, the car was travelling at 95mph in a 60mph limit."

The pursuit continued with Lyons undertaking vehicles. The last the officer saw of the Focus was it heading back towards Lynn.

The car was later found abandoned and a phone within it had an image matching Lyons' description.

He was arrested at his home in School Road after telling the officer: "I have been here all night."

"While being searched in custody, it was noted his shoes were very muddy," added Mrs Holland. "The vehicle was abandoned in a rural area."

The court heard that in police interview Lyons admitted that he was the driver and had committed all the offences.

"He said he travels quickly all the time and his driving didn't fall below what is expected of a competent and careful driver," added Mrs Holland.

The bench issued an arrest warrant to ensure Lyons comes before the court for sentencing.