A father of five has been jailed at Liverpool Crown Court after leading police on a high-speed chase of up to 130mph while drink driving on the M62, M60, and M61.
The court heard that police on patrol spotted the defendant just before 4am on September 2 and pulled him over, however after approaching the drivers’ side door and speaking briefly with him, the man “drove off at high speed” onto the M62, with the officers pursuing.
The 37-year-old reached up to 130mph as well as undertaking vehicles, including a lorry and a car signalling to change lanes before he continued on to the M60 and then the M61.
He left the motorway in the Bolton area before speeding at 70mph through 30mph residential areas and running through red lights.
The pursuit went on for 15 miles and lasted a total of 12 minutes.
When he finally pulled over, the defendant attempted to climb into the rear of his car to try and persuade officers he had not been behind the wheel.
The prosecuting also highlighted that the man was jailed for drink driving and dangerous driving in 2013 and also had nine previous convictions for offences including possession of a bladed weapon in a public place, possession of an offensive weapon, and affray.
Defending, Jeremy Wainright explained to the court that his client had a “long working day” prior to the incident and consumed “a number of beers” with a colleague afterwards.
His friend was “very drunk” and the defendant, whose wife has cancer, made the “wrong decision” in driving the car, which belonged to his friend. He subsequently “panicked” when police pulled him over, and so pulled away.
Mr Wainwright added: “It was a rather pathetic attempt to avoid responsibility for drink driving.
“He is somebody who since his release in 2014 has been a working family man and has not been in trouble for quite a period of time and pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity.
“This is a case where there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, and the eight-year period in which he showed he could rehabilitate himself demonstrates that.
“An immediate custodial sentence would have a significant harmful impact on other people.
“For all these reasons, I would ask your honour to consider that it is suitable and appropriate for a suspended sentence to be passed.”
Recorder David Knifton, however, was unswayed by the arguments.
“This was an appalling piece of driving,” said Mr Knifton.
“You engaged in a high-speed chase with police at speeds of up to 130mph with a complete disregard for the safety of other road users.
“It was a prolonged, persistent and deliberate course of bad driving and you were driving at a time when you were some one-and-a-half times over the legal limit.
“I take into account the significant gap in offending, and I further take into account your wife’s condition.
“She relies on you as the family breadwinner and to assist in the care of herself and your five children.
“Knowing all of that, you chose to drive a vehicle in a highly dangerous manner when you had consumed alcohol.
“Ultimately, having considered the seriousness of this offence, I have concluded that nothing other than an immediate custodial sentence is justified.
“I would be failing in my public duty if I did not impose that sentence.”
After the defendant pleaded guilty once more to drink driving and dangerous driving during an earlier hearing, Mr Knifton jailed the man for a year as well as banning him from driving for three-and-a-half years. Should he wish to drive again, he will have to pass an extended retest.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
