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Banned driver Princely Imara in high-speed police chase on M20 in Ashford

A Mercedes driver filmed a 120mph “selfie” ... while he chased a police car on the M20 at Ashford!

Banned motorist Princely Imara gave a running commentary of the high speed pursuit which included ranting against the police.

The 24-year-old had spotted the police car heading to an emergency incident on the motorway in September last year and started following the vehicle.

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Princely Imara was jailed after filming a selfie video while speeding
Princely Imara was jailed after filming a selfie video while speeding

During the chase he swerved from side to side putting pressure on the police officer, Canterbury Crown Court heard.

But the bizarre footage was only discovered after Imara had been involved in another 130mph chase on the M2 which ended in a crash.

Now the convicted drugs dealer has been jailed for a total of 54 months for a number of offences including driving dangerously three times and crashing two vehicles!

The son of a bus driver, from Hereford Road, Shepway also drove the Merc at high speed into Canterbury bus station through an exit lane – narrowly missing vehicles and sped out through the entry lane nearly hitting other buses!

Video: Princely Imara filmed himself chasing police

Judge Adele Williams told him: “This was appalling driving in which you showed no regard for the safety of others – including police officers who were doing no more than their duty.”

Prosecutor Simon Taylor said that after the bus station incident in October 2014, he was seen at 1.45pm the same day on the M2 near Sittingbourne between junctions six and five.

Judge Adele Williams. Picture: Fiona Stapley-Harding
Judge Adele Williams. Picture: Fiona Stapley-Harding

“Two officers spotted the black Mercedes with Imara at the wheel which went past them at high speed.

“The Mercedes was being manoeuvered erratically swerving across all the lanes and onto the hard shoulder.

“The vehicle then re-joined the carriageway behind the officers’ vehicle before overtaking again, “ he added.

Mr Taylor said the Mercedes slowed down again and pulled into the first lane behind a lorry, before swerving onto the hard shoulder – allowing the police car to get in front.

“As the officers began slowing down, the defendant accelerated before stopping. The officers got out and spoke to Imara who was aggressive and obstructive.

“His demeanour raised concerns after he stated he had recently been detained under the Mental Health Act – and he said this while still filming the officers on his mobile phone.”

The court heard that, while officers carried out checks, Imara drove away avoiding police attempts to prevent him returning to the motorway.

While other police cleared the motorway, Imara hit speeds of 130 mph until he lost control at Junction 5, the Sittingbourne-Maidstone turn off at Stockbury and ploughed into a barrier causing £2,600 of damage.

The case was heard at Canterbury Crown Court
The case was heard at Canterbury Crown Court

Mr Taylor said that even after that as Imara got out of the damaged car he was still filming the police!

It was after seizing the mobile phone that police found the film of the earlier incident in September, the court heard.

Mr Taylor said that in January 2013, while driving a jaguar car, Imara was seen by police hiding his face and he was stopped and drugs found in the vehicle.

At the time he claimed to be Imara’s father and denied doing drug deals – despite his mobile carrying messages including : “I just want my ten bag” and “That fine, need a smoke for bed”.

The prosecutor said that when Imara’s home was searched more drugs including cannabis and amphetamines were discovered, together with a safe containing cash, knuckledusters, watches and jewellery.

“This was appalling driving in which you showed no regard for the safety of others" - Judge Adele Williams

In December 2013, Imara, this time in a Renault Megane, had been stopped in Durham Close, Maidstone when again he claimed to be someone else and again he had drugs in the vehicle.

The drugs dealer also admitted receiving Camelot scratch cards stolen during a December 2013 raid at Caxton Mini Market in Rochester and was one of the men who burgled Smarden Post Office in December.

Imara, at the wheel of his Jaguar, was spotted on the A251 heading towards Faversham but crashed it after losing control turning into Old Baggins Road.

He admitted seven drug offences, burglary, handling stolen goods, three charges of driving dangerously, and five charges of resisting a police officer and driving without a licence and insurance.

He was jailed for four-and-a-half years and banned from driving for five years and ordered to take a re-test before he is allowed to get back behind a wheel of a car.

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