Disqualified driver jailed after 115mph police chase

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 11:58 · Archive

Alan McDonnell, 29, was jailed for a year after leading police on a 115mph chase through Basildon and the A13.

Alan McDonnell, 29, was jailed for a year at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Monday, 5 October after admitting dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

The chase began in Basildon shortly after 4.15pm on 19 December 2025 when a roads policing officer spotted a grey Audi A4 flagged for having no insurance. The vehicle initially stopped, but as the officer approached, McDonnell sped off. He drove dangerously through Basildon before joining the A13 towards London at speeds of up to 115mph, undertaking vehicles and driving across hatched areas.

After leaving the A13 at Ripple Road, McDonnell drove the wrong way up a slip road towards oncoming traffic before cutting across grass into Cook Road, Dagenham. He abandoned the car and fled on foot. A National Police Air Service helicopter tracked him and guided officers to his location. Officers arrested him after he stopped and lay on the ground.

Adam Pipe from the Roads Policing Unit said: 'This case shows the lengths some drivers will go to in an attempt to avoid us, but it also demonstrates the resources and tactics we have available to keep our roads safe. Working alongside our colleagues at NPAS meant we were able to continue tracking McDonnell even after he abandoned the car and tried to run away.'

How it is being reported

• WATCH: Disqualified driver caught in 115mph police chaseDisqualified driver Alan McDonnell jailed for a year after 115mph police chase through Basildon and along A13, tracked by a police helicopter.Brentwood Guardian · 13 Oct, 11:32
• WATCH: Disqualified driver caught in 115mph police chaseDisqualified driver Alan McDonnell jailed for a year after 115mph police chase through Basildon and along A13, tracked by a police helicopter.Echo (Basildon) · 13 Oct, 11:32
• WATCH: Disqualified driver caught in 115mph police chaseDisqualified driver Alan McDonnell jailed for a year after 115mph police chase through Basildon and along A13, tracked by a police helicopter.Colchester Gazette · 13 Oct, 11:32

In this story: Alan McDonnell · Essex Police · National Police Air Service · Basildon · A13 · Chelmsford Magistrates' Court · Dagenham

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