Armed Drink-Driver Sentenced to Five Years After Dramatic Nightclub Chase
Nathan Ingram, a 29-year-old man from Hackney, east London, has been jailed for five years after a high-stakes police chase that ended inside a crowded London nightclub. The incident unfolded in the early hours of 29 November last year, when Ingram attempted to evade arrest following a failed breathalyser test, only to be caught with a loaded pistol and cocaine in his possession.
Traffic Stop Turns into Armed Pursuit
Ingram's black Audi Q2 Sport was pulled over by Metropolitan Police officers in Hoxton, east London, during a routine traffic stop. After failing a breathalyser test, he was informed he would be arrested for drink-driving. In a sudden move captured on police video, Ingram bolted from the scene, dashing across the road toward a nearby nightclub in a desperate bid to escape.
Officers quickly pursued him, tackling him inside the venue before he could disappear into the crowd. A subsequent search of his rucksack revealed a loaded Bernardelli 69 self-loading pistol and a small quantity of cocaine, escalating the charges significantly.
Guilty Plea Leads to Substantial Sentence
At Wood Green Crown Court, Ingram pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and possession of a class A drug. He was sentenced on 27 January, receiving a five-year imprisonment term that underscores the severity of his offences.
Detective Sergeant Charlie Leather, who led the investigation, emphasized the critical role of vigilant policing in this case. “A dangerous weapon has been taken out of the criminals’ hands thanks to a routine traffic stop by eagle-eyed police officers,” he stated. “Ingram thought he was quick on his feet - but we were quicker. We’re determined to get guns off London’s streets.”
Police Warning to Potential Offenders
DS Leather further highlighted the broader implications of the sentencing, noting that it serves as a stark warning to others. “The heavy jail sentence handed to Ingram is a warning to anyone tempted to keep a firearm that they’ll end up spending years behind bars,” he added, reinforcing the Metropolitan Police's ongoing commitment to reducing gun crime in the capital.
This case illustrates how routine police work can lead to significant arrests, removing lethal weapons from circulation and enhancing public safety. The swift response and thorough investigation have been praised as a model for proactive law enforcement in urban areas.
