Michael Cash hit speeds of more than 100mph as he led officers on a lengthy pursuit across Nottinghamshire
16:49, 15 Jan 2026
This is the moment a dangerous driver ploughed his van through a set of locked gates in an attempt to escape police.
Michael Cash - later labelled a 'menace on the roads' - hit speeds of more than 100mph as he led officers on a lengthy pursuit across Nottinghamshire.
The 34-year-old drove in a dangerous and erratic manner as firearms officers stayed on his tail for around 15 minutes.
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Officers initially spotted Cash's Ford Transit van travelling northbound on the M1 on December 1 last year, and switched on their blue lights to try and pull it over.
However Cash decided to ignore them and went on to perform a 'series of dangerous manoeuvres' on roads between Barlborough and Worksop.
The chase came to an end when Cash deliberately crashed through a set of locked gates, near Torworth.
He sprang from the van and tried to run off through nearby woodland, however a National Police Air Service (NPAS) aircraft had been following his vehicle overhead using thermal imaging cameras.
The eyes in the sky allowed officers on the ground to zero-in on his location, and he emerged from a bush with his hands up.
Cash was arrested and later charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop, criminal damage, and driving while disqualified and without a valid licence.
The defendant, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to each offence on January 7 at Nottingham Crown Court.
He was sentenced via video link on Wednesday, January 14, where Judge Steven Coupland branded him a "menace on the roads" as he jailed him for 21 months.
Cash was also banned from driving for three years and nine months, and will need to pass an extended retest before he's allowed to drive again.
Following the sentencing, PC Abby Mason, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The standard of Cash’s driving throughout this ordeal was incredibly dangerous and fell far below what is acceptable.
“Having initially been spotted on the motorway, he ignored repeated orders to pull over and instead decided to drive at speed up and down country roads.
“Despite the blue lights flashing behind him, Cash continued to perform a series of erratic manoeuvres before eventually crashing his van and trying to run away.
“He was unsuccessful on that front though – thanks to some fantastic teamwork between the pursuing officers on the ground and the NPAS crew flying above.
“We’re grateful for NPAS’ ongoing support, which played a key role in helping us catch this fleeing motorist that night and bring him before the courts.”