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UK man jailed after faking brake failure on Jaguar

·1 min read·2 outlets
Photo via USFWS / Public domain

The short version

A UK court sentenced Nathan Owen to four years and three months in prison for falsely claiming his Jaguar’s brakes failed while driving at high speed on motorways. Owen admitted the lie, which he said was intended to avoid car payments.

Nathan Owen, 34, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison on August 4, 2026.2,1 Owen claimed his electric Jaguar’s brakes failed while driving on motorways, telling police the car was malfunctioning and out of his control.1 Police reported Owen drove the Jaguar at speeds up to 86 mph during the incident.1

A judge ruled Owen’s claim of brake failure was a deliberate lie.2 Owen admitted the lie was intended to avoid paying for the car.2 The court described Owen’s actions as “frighteningly stupid.”1

Why it matters

  • Electric vehicles like the Jaguar Owen drove use regenerative braking, which can feel different from traditional friction brakes and may be misinterpreted by drivers.1

This account was written from the 2 reports listed below, filed by 2 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.

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2 source reports

2 outlets · 2 countries · citation numbers match the article

  1. 1

    The Guardian · GB

    Driver jailed for four years after faking brake failure on motorway

    Aug 3, 2026

  2. 2

    The New York Times · US

    Man’s Claim That Brakes Failed on Jaguar Was Scam to Avoid Car Payments, Court Rules

    Aug 4, 2026

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