Nathan Owen Jailed 4 Years for Faking Jaguar Brake Failure to Dodge Payments

Q: What hidden vehicle data exposed the driver's terrifying 85-mph runaway EV claim as a desperate financial fraud?

The hidden data was the Jaguar I-PACE’s own telematics and event records, which showed Owen never pressed the brake pedal during the supposed emergency. Investigators working with Jaguar Land Rover found no mechanical fault in the vehicle. The car’s internal data showed the brakes were not applied at any point while he claimed the car was “out of control” at up to 85–86 mph. That directly contradicted his 999 call, in which he said the brakes had failed and that even other stopping measures were not working. Other evidence reinforced the fraud finding. Prosecutors said his initial emergency call was made while the car was stationary, not during a runaway crisis. Police footage also showed the brake lights illuminating when the Jaguar finally stopped, further undermining his account that braking was impossible. Together, the vehicle data, video evidence and his financial problems exposed the claim as staged. Prosecutors said he was behind on finance payments, had tried to borrow money shortly before calling 999, and had discussed ways to get rid of the car. That is why the court treated the incident not as an EV malfunction, but as a dangerous driving and fraud scheme.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 4

Liverpool Crown Court sentenced 33-year-old Nathan Owen to four years and three months in prison after he pleaded guilty to fraud and dangerous driving.
March 6, 2024, Owen called 999 claiming his battery-electric Jaguar I-PACE would not stop, saying it hit 85 mph and that the handbrake and gears failed.
Police used their own vehicles to slow the Jaguar, which struck officers’ cars more than 30 times during the operation before it was brought to a halt.
The court later found the car was functioning properly and that Owen could have stopped at any time, concluding he staged the incident to avoid making car payments.