Charlotte Shipley faces jail after a high-speed chase with her baby in the car. She drove dangerously, ran lights, and crashed into a taxi.
Shipley, 29, ran red lights and drove on the sidewalk, according to a report. She went on the wrong side of the road, forcing other cars to swerve to avoid her. The chase concluded only when she collided with a taxi.
Police initially spotted her on Etruria Road with her baby in the front seat. They activated lights and sirens, but she drove into a Nando’s and Costa parking area before heading back to Etruria Road.
She accelerated up Etruria Vale Road, reaching 50 mph in a 30 mph zone. A person was walking on the sidewalk as she drove on it, causing other drivers to make quick maneuvers.
Shipley then drove 60 mph on Cemetery Road, where the speed limit is 30 mph. She turned onto Wellesley Street, disregarding a “No Entry” sign, and subsequently crashed into a taxi, leading to her arrest.
She had appeared in court just days before for drug driving and driving without insurance. The chase itself occurred on December 18, 2023.
Prosecutors stated that Shipley drove on the sidewalk while a person was walking there. She tested positive for cannabis after her arrest, and the baby remained in the car throughout the incident.
Shipley admitted to dangerous driving. Her lawyer said she had reduced her drug use but acknowledged that jail was likely. He requested the judge to avoid prison, citing the fact that no one was injured.
The judge refused, sentencing Shipley to ten months. He said her choices, including ignoring lights, speed bumps, and traffic, and endangering a walker, were the main reasons.
She sped at 60 mph in a 30 zone and ignored the “No Entry” sign, attempting to force her way past a taxi. Her actions demonstrated a disregard for road rules and endangered others while under the influence.
The judge noted her past driving offenses, including her prior court date for drug driving. He emphasized that endangering her child was the most egregious aspect of her behavior. She is banned from driving for over two years and must pass an extended driving test to regain her license.
