A dangerous driver who travelled at extreme speeds through Sevenoaks has been jailed after colliding head-on with another road user.
The incident began at around 8.15pm on 19 April 2025, when officers travelling along London Road towards Amherst Hill spotted a silver Ford Fiesta performing a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre. When officers indicated for the vehicle to pull over, the driver failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.
The driver, 31-year-old William Hutchings, continued to travel at excessive speed, driving on hatched markings and on the wrong side of the road. His erratic driving came to a violent end on the A25 Westerham Road near Sevenoaks, where he collided head-on with a black Land Rover Defender. While the occupants of the Land Rover sustained minor injuries, Hutchings suffered severe injuries, requiring the pursuing officers to perform life-saving first aid until paramedics arrived at the scene.
Following a lengthy stay in hospital, Hutchings was interviewed and later charged with dangerous driving. He subsequently pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on 4 June 2026.
Upon his release, Hutchings formerly of London, will be subject to a driving ban for five years and six months, and he will be required to pass an extended driving test before being allowed back on the road.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Vikki Steward, said:
‘Hutchings demonstrated zero regard for other road users when he travelled recklessly at high speeds through a quiet residential area.
‘His actions on the day of the incident fell far below that of a careful and competent driver. It is evident he was thinking solely of evading police capture.
‘Hutchings’ injuries were so severe, they were considered life-threatening for some time. He is fortunate that the occupants of the other vehicle were not seriously injured or worse, killed.’
Chief Inspector Craig West, Head of Kent Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said:
‘Speeding is one of the four ‘fatal factors’ that contribute to collisions resulting in deaths and serious injuries on Kent’s roads, alongside not wearing a seatbelt, driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, and using a mobile phone or other electronic device at the wheel.
‘Our message to all motorists is clear – protect yourself and others by sticking to the speed limit.’