A teenager has been sentenced today (6 Nov) and banned from driving after he admitted charges including dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified.
Lewis Naisbitt, 19, of Sunningdale Road, Middlesbrough appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on 6 October 2026 where he admitted charges of:
- Dangerous driving
- Driving whilst disqualified
- Driving without insurance
- Fraudulent use of a registration mark / document
- Failing to comply with a roadside drugs wipe
Today, he appeared before Carlisle Crown Court for sentencing.
The court heard how, on the morning of 9 September 2026, Naisbitt had driven a vehicle – a Nissan X-Trail – suspected of being a cloned vehicle into Cumbria via Scotland.
Officers attempted to stop Naisbitt but he made no effort to comply, coming off the motorway and into Carlisle at junction 43.
The vehicle was pursued along Warwick Road, reaching speeds in excess of 60mph, in a 30mph zone.
He then turned onto Eastern Way where he accelerated to over 80mph, weaving through traffic and red lights, before entering London Road where he reached 100mph on a 30mph limit road, narrowly avoiding a collision with on-coming traffic.
Naisbitt then drove the car back onto the M6, travelling at speeds of 100mph to 115mph, including undertaking via the hard shoulder.
Police deployed a stinger when Naisbitt turned off at junction 41 and he crashed into a parked HGV as he was heading towards Stoneybeck.
Naisbitt was not done there and attempted to flee on foot but made it only a few metres before he was tackled and arrested.
Naisbitt refused to answer questions in his police interview but admitted the offences at court.
He was sentenced to 14 months in a young offenders' institution and banned from driving for two years following his release.
Chief Inspector Sam Turner said: “The driver's behaviour was incredibly reckless and could easily have resulted in him causing serious injury to himself and others.
“However, thanks to the professionalism and teamwork of officers – led by the force’s Operations Team – the pursuit was brought to a safe conclusion and the driver arrested.
“Cumbria Police is committed to educating young drivers about the dangers of poor decision-making behind the wheel. The guilty pleas and came at the conclusion of our Op Spotlight road safety operation targeting young drivers demonstrating dangerous driving behaviour.”