Dangerous driver jailed following head-on collision in Sevenoaks

A dangerous driver who travelled in extreme excess of speed limits through Sevenoaks has been jailed after colliding head-on with another road user.

At around 8.15pm on 19 April 2025, officers travelling along London Road towards Amherst Hill, saw a silver Ford Fiesta perform a dangerous overtake manoeuvre.

Officers indicated for the car to stop and a pursuit ensued.

The driver, William Hutchings, continued to travel at excessive speed on the hatched markings and on the wrong side of the road.

On the A25 Westerham Road near Sevenoaks, the offender collided head-on with a black Land Rover Defender, the occupants of which sustained minor injuries.

Hutchings, however, suffered severe injuries requiring officers to perform life-saving first aid until paramedics arrived on scene.

Following a lengthy stay in hospital, the 31 year old was interviewed and later charged with dangerous driving.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on 4 June 2026.

Following his release, Hutchings, of Boughton Avenue in Bromley, London, will be made the subject of a driving ban for 5 years and 6 months and will be required to take an extended test after this period.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Vikki Steward, said:

‘Hutchings demonstrated zero regard for other road users when he travelled recklessly at high speeds through a quiet residential area. ‘His actions on the day of the incident fell far below that of a careful and competent driver. It is evident he was thinking solely of evading police capture. ‘Hutchings’ injuries were so severe, they were considered life-threatening for some time. He is fortunate that the occupants of the other vehicle were not seriously injured or worse, killed.’

Chief Inspector Craig West, Head of Kent Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said:

‘Speeding is one of the four ‘fatal factors’ that contribute to collisions resulting in deaths and serious injuries on Kent’s roads, alongside not wearing a seatbelt, driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, and using a mobile phone or other electronic device at the wheel. ‘Our message to all motorists is clear – protect yourself and others by sticking to the speed limit.’