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Nottingham E-Scooter Rider Jailed for 75 Weeks After Low-Speed Police Chase

Police say private e-scooters count as vehicles under driving laws.

Overview

  • Graham McCarthy, 43, was jailed for 75 weeks and given a 19‑month driving ban at Nottingham Crown Court.
  • Officers on electric bikes followed him through St Ann's and into the city centre as he rode a private e-scooter at about 20 mph and refused to stop.
  • He swerved through traffic and pedestrians, ran a red light, and forced a bus to brake before crashing near Lower Parliament Street by the Victoria Centre.
  • He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance or a licence, criminal damage for banging his head inside a police van, and possession of synthetic cannabinoids with intent to supply from May 2024.
  • Nottinghamshire Police said the pursuit was slower than most but still put people at risk and stressed that private e-scooters face the same offences as other vehicles.