A driver from Mid Sussex has been spared jail after being caught travelling at speeds of up to 70mph in a 30mph zone in Brighton.
Police said Andrew Smith, unemployed, of Burstow Gardens in Copthorne, was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment, suspended for two years.
The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to dangerous driving; aggravated vehicle taking including dangerous driving; driving without a licence; driving without insurance; and failing to stop when required by police.
It's after officers spotted a black Honda CRV being driven in the city on September 7, 2020. It had been marked as potentially being driven without the owner’s consent.
They indicated for the vehicle to pull over, at which point it accelerated away from them.
A pursuit ensued, during which time the driver reached speeds of up to 70mph in a 30mph zone, contravened red lights and junctions, and travelled on the wrong side of the road at various points – including an on-slip to the A27 at Hollingbury, where tactical contact was made to bring it to a stop.
It transpired he had taken his mother’s vehicle without her consent.
He was subsequently arrested and charged.
He pleaded guilty to all five offences and at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday 6 April, he was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.
He was also disqualified from driving for three years and given a three-month curfew with electronic tag.
Arresting officer, Sergeant Colin Bowden, said:
“The manner of Smith’s driving was reckless, ridiculous and completely irresponsible. He showed absolutely no regard for the safety of himself or other road users, taking significant risks in an attempt to get away from us.
“This case should serve as a warning to others that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with our colleagues, partners and the community to take action against those who misuse our roads.”
Funding Available For Tree Planting In Chichester District as National Tree Week Begins
West Sussex Firefighters And Emergency Services Carry Out Training Exercise In Chichester Harbour
Shoreham Lifeboat’s Festive Look Boosted By Family-Run Business
Final Touches Being Made To £2m Sussex Wastewater Site Upgrade
AllSaints Founder To Host Sustainable Fashion Show In Brighton To Raise Money For Homelessness In City
Chichester Community Warden Helping Fight Against Fraud This Christmas
Wealden Council Calls For Government Rethink On Winter Fuel Payment
Snowy Protest At Lewes County Hall Calls For Fossil Fuel Divestment
Local MP Tours Firefighters’ Centre In Littlehampton
Former Portslade Scout Leader Convicted Of 79 Child Sex Offences