Saffron Walden man banned from driving after failing to stop for police
Harry Palmer admitted drink driving and evading officers on the A11
Last updated 17th Dec 2025
A 23-year-old man from Saffron Walden has been disqualified from driving for more than three years after admitting to drink driving and failing to stop for police.
On Monday 8th December 2025, Harry Palmer, of Langley Upper Green, appeared before Ipswich Magistrates Court following an incident that occurred on Saturday 6th December.
During the morning of 6th December, a member of the public reported a concern that Palmer, who they interacted with at a restaurant, had driven off under the influence of alcohol.
At 7.49am that morning, an officer spotted Palmer's car driving south on the A11, heading from Thickthorn towards Thetford. Despite initially acknowledging the police stop by indicating and braking at a petrol station, Palmer drove off at speed, mounting a kerb and grass verge before returning to the A11.
Suffolk officers from the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team intervened and boxed in Palmer’s vehicle, bringing it to a halt further down the A11 towards Elveden.
Palmer underwent a roadside breath test, producing a reading of 121ugs—more than three times the legal limit of 35ugs. He was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and failing to stop for police before being taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre.
In custody, Palmer provided an evidential reading of 77ugs and was charged with both offences. He was remanded into custody before his court appearance on Monday morning, where he was handed a 40-month driving ban and ordered to pay £278 in fines and costs.
Fast-track court dates are available throughout December as part of a campaign targeting drink and drug drivers, allowing swift action against those found driving under the influence.
For those wishing to report drink driving anonymously, an online form is available that feeds directly into the police control room for allocation and action.