SMASH HORROR
Moment out-of-control driver smashes into safety barrier after leading cops on 70mph chase through 20mph zone
Watch the shocking video above
SHOCKING footage shows the moment an out-of-control driver smashes into a barrier after leading cops on a 70mph chase.
Billy Ronchi, 22, was was spotted by officers driving erratically on Derby Road in Bramcote, Nottinghamshire, just after 9pm on January 18.
3
3
3
An unmarked police vehicle began following Ronchi's red Seat Toledo, at which point he turned into a 20mph side road and pulled over when indicated to.
But as one cop left the car to speak to Ronchi, he sped away.
The officer ran back to his vehicle and turned on the emergency sirens, engaging in a pursuit with the rogue motorist.
Ronchi hit speeds of more than 70mph in roads with both 20mph and 40mph limits and almost collided with a van and an oncoming car.
Read More in UK News
The reckless driver went through red lights and over a roundabout before braking to avoid colliding with an HGV.
He then proceeded to speed down the wrong side of the carriageway on Coventry Lane.
Here, Ronchi lost control of the car, causing it to bounce off a metal barrier and spin in the carriageway multiple times before coming to a stop.
The collision caused a significant amount of damage to the front of the car and debris was left strewn across the road.
Most read in The Sun
Officers pulled Ronchi from the smoking vehicle and arrested him.
Ronchi admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without a licence or insurance.
The defendant appeared at Nottingham Crown Court, sitting at Nottingham Magistrates Court, on Tuesday, October 8.
Recorder Michael Stephens handed him a 16-month sentence suspended for two years.
Moment driver ploughs into cyclist - before speeding off as he lay 'paralysed'
Ronchi was also disqualified from driving for three years, ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to attend 14 days of rehabilitation.
He was also ordered to pay £150 costs and a victim surcharge.
Ronchi, of Baker Street, Alvaston, Derby, had been disqualified from driving in early 2023 after being caught driving while over the legal alcohol limit.
He later told police he thought this disqualification had expired after six months.
Ronchi claimed that he hadn't realised it was a 14-month long disqualification.
The court heard how Ronchi had allegedly also only bought the car that night an hour earlier and had a 15-year-old passenger in the car.
His lack of licence also meant he was not insured to drive, and the icy weather conditions on the night meant his actions were even more dangerous than they would've been otherwise.
'STUPID AND IMPULSIVE'
Mr Stephens told Ronchi: "At the age of 22 you have already got one conviction under your belt. That's not a good start to anyone's criminal career.
"It seems you are lucky to find yourself with only a dangerous driving charge.
"From the way you were driving, you could've ended up with a charge of causing serious injury or even death. You went at extraordinary speed.
"How no one else was involved in the collision is only thanks to good fortune, it seems to me.
"This was a stupid, wrong and impulsive piece of behaviour."
Sergeant James Skeats, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "Ronchi demonstrated a complete disregard for the safety of other road users when he sped through a built-up residential area in such a reckless manner.
“Thankfully no one was injured by his display of driving that night, but that is no thanks to him.
“Ronchi avoided colliding with another vehicle through sheer luck as he drove at excessive speed and along the wrong side of the carriageway for a significant distance.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“He was very fortunate not to suffer serious injury when he lost control of the car and crashed into a safety barrier.
“The message from the force is clear. We will not tolerate people who break the law by driving vehicles in a manner that puts other road users, and themselves, at risk of serious injury or death."
Most common illegal driving habits
Here's a list of reckless driving behaviour and the fines and penalties you risk getting from it
- Using phone while driving
Cheeky glance at a phone screen will result in six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine
New drivers might lose their licence if caught doing so within two years of obtaining it - Speeding
Lovers of Fast & Furious will end up with minimum three points and £100 fine - Running a red light
This offence will incur three points and £100 fine - Middle lane hogging
It constitutes careless driving and police will hand you a £100 fine with three penalty points - Undertaking
This could possibly result in three points on your licence and a £100 fine
Topics