Benjamin Appleton, a 33-year-old man from Chatham, was jailed for 13 months after a dangerous police chase and hit-and-run incidents in Medway. The events began on 13 July 2020 when Appleton was caught driving a Citroen Picasso while over the legal alcohol limit.
Despite police flashing lights and sirens, Appleton sped through Rochester and the Medway towns, swerving wildly and refusing to stop. The chase ended on Town Road, Cliffe Woods, when officers deployed a stinger device that shredded the tyres of Appleton’s vehicle, bringing it to a halt.
Tests revealed Appleton had 73 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, more than double the legal limit of 35 micrograms. Additionally, he was found to be driving without a valid licence or insurance.
After being released pending further investigation, Appleton was back behind the wheel on 9 November, this time driving a Peugeot. Witnesses reported seeing him speeding and swerving in Gillingham before he crashed into two cars on Railway Street.
Attempting to flee the scene, Appleton was stopped by an off-duty police officer who chased him down and pinned him on Ingram Road as Appleton tried to escape on foot while clutching a bottle of alcohol. At custody, he refused to provide a breath test.
At Maidstone Crown Court, Appleton pleaded guilty to multiple charges including driving with excess alcohol, failing to provide a breath specimen, failing to stop for police, dangerous and careless driving, driving while disqualified, common assault, and driving without a licence or insurance.
The judge sentenced Appleton to 13 months in prison. He was also banned from driving for three and a half years and must pass an extended driving test before regaining his licence.
Investigating officer PC Sophie Lawrie said, “Appleton’s reckless and selfish behaviour could easily have had fatal consequences. His repeated offending shows little regard for public safety, turning vehicles into deadly weapons. I’m pleased the court sent a strong message—there is simply never an excuse to drink and drive.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
