Speeding 62-year-old driver hits an astounding 155mph as unmarked police car battles to keep up on motorway

Craftsman John Hornby was spotted by PC Foster driving at high speed on M3

PC Foster chased down his Audi S4 super-saloon as they passed Basingstoke

Prosecutor told court that this was 'amongst the highest speeds' he had seen

A driver has been banned from the roads for 'risking his and others lives' by speeding along a motorway at 155mph while being chased by police.

John Hornby, 62, of Burley, Hampshire, raced past other motorists in the outside lane in his high-powered Audi S4, reaching the vehicle's maximum speed.

Despite PC Jamie Foster turning on his lights and giving chase, dashcam footage revealed Hornby did not seem to spot the unmarked police car at first. 

The footage shows craftsman Hornby racing along in the blue Audi, while PC Foster hurtles past other cars and lorries inside him on the M3 near Basingstoke.

Aldershot Magistrates' Court in Hampshire heard Hornby, 62, was travelling at an average speed of 147.1 mph when he was spotted by PC Foster.

Hornby's 2004 Audi S4 is a sought after model with 4.2 litre V8 engine, producing 339bhp. Its top speed is artificially limited to 155mph.

Paul Matcham, prosecuting, said PC Foster first saw Hornby's Audi speeding between junctions seven and six of the M3 on June 13 last year.

The officer then gave chase, with shocking dashcam footage showing he reached 155mph himself, before Hornby starts to apply the brakes.

John Hornby, 62, hit 155mph on the M3 between junctions seven and eight on the northbound carriageway near Basingstoke as he was chased by police

Mr Matcham told the court this was 'amongst the highest speeds' he had ever prosecuted. Hornby admitted speeding and was sentenced in his absence. 

He was disqualified from driving for nine months and handed a £325 fine. Magistrates also ordered he pay £85 in costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Speaking after the hearing, PC Foster said he could not believe anyone would drive at such high speeds.

He said: 'We see a lot of things in this job but even I was shocked to see someone driving at such high speeds. You can see from the footage just how dangerous it was.

'He was not only risking his own life but the lives of other innocent road users and that is unacceptable.

He was disqualified for nine months, fined £325 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £32 victim surcharge

'It is sheer luck that Hornby's driving that day did not cause a collision, because if it had the consequences at that speed would have undoubtedly been fatal.

'There is absolutely no excuse for such reckless and totally irresponsible driving and we will take action against those who put lives at risk.'

Speaking from his home last night, Hornby said the driving ban would not affect his work as a craftsman.

He added: 'I don't really want to talk about this - I don't want to broadcast my misfortune.'