A man who falsely claimed his electric Jaguar was malfunctioning and out of his control on motorways has been jailed for four years and three months. Nathan Owen drove his vehicle at speeds of up to 86mph, telling police he was unable to brake.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Owen fabricated the brake failure in a “frighteningly stupid” attempt to avoid car finance payments. Police said an investigation with Jaguar Land Rover UK (JLR) confirmed the car was functioning correctly and data showed Owen did not press the brakes.
During the incident on 6 March 2024, Owen collided with a police car 31 times as officers tried to stop him. He drove for about 35 minutes over approximately 38 miles on the M58, M57, and M62 in Merseyside before the car stopped when its battery ran out.
Judge Ian Unsworth KC stated that Owen’s actions caused a significant police operation, public alarm, and substantial loss and disruption. Owen, 33, of Prestatyn, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and two counts of fraud in June. He was also banned from driving for five years after his release from custody.