A suspended custodial sentence has been imposed following a high-speed incident involving a young motorist near Carlisle. The individual involved, a 21-year-old man from Newcastleton, was identified as Callum Adamson.
The incident took place on the evening of 10 August 2025. A police pursuit had been initiated after reports were received suggesting that the defendant may have been driving under the influence. Officers located a Ford Fiesta travelling northbound on the M6. When attempts were made to stop the vehicle using blue lights and sirens, the driver exited at Junction 45 and accelerated away.
Speeds in excess of 120mph were reportedly reached on the A6071 between Gretna and Longtown. Roadworks were passed at 80mph, and a speed of 90mph was observed near the Longtown Ministry of Defence site. Due to the excessive speed and safety concerns, the pursuit was abandoned by officers.
The Ford Fiesta was subsequently found near a roadside ditch with its engine still running. Officers later attended the defendant’s home, where initial denials regarding his involvement were made. Alternative explanations were provided, including a claim that the keys had been handed to a friend due to alcohol consumption. When asked to provide video confirmation of his whereabouts, the request was not complied with.
Later, CCTV footage from a service station was used to identify the driver, based on recognisable tattoos. Upon being presented with the evidence, the individual admitted to being the driver and acknowledged his actions.
A reading from a breathalyser test was recorded, indicating that the legal drink-drive threshold had been approached but not exceeded to a degree warranting a separate charge.
The case was heard at Rickergate Court, where the prosecutor, Diane Jackson, characterised the driving as involving deliberate disregard for road regulations and noted its persistent and prolonged nature.
In mitigation, the defence stated that remorse had been expressed, and that employment would be lost as a result of the conviction. It was also submitted that the initial falsehoods were made due to embarrassment in front of his parents. No damage to the vehicle was reported.
A 30-week custodial sentence was imposed, suspended for two years. Conditions include 120 hours of unpaid work and a two-year driving disqualification. A requirement to pass an extended driving test prior to re-licensing was also ordered. Costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £187 were directed to be paid.
The presiding magistrate, Ian Douglas, noted that a custodial sentence had been considered, stating that the individual had been “very, very lucky”.
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.
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