Police chase as mechanic hits 60mph in residential Stafford streets
A motor mechanic driving his friend's car was chased by police around Stafford at more than twice the speed limit.
Harry Allman reached speeds of more than 60mph in residential areas where the limit is 30, failing to give way at junctions.
The pursuit, which started in John Amery Drive, ended when his Seat Ibiza hit a Ford Fiesta in Hyde Lea Bank, said Miss Fiona Cortese, prosecuting at Stafford Crown Court.
An Intoximeter test proved negative but a subsequent document check revealed that although Allman was insured to drive his own car and any vehicle in relation to his work, the policy did not cover the Seat.
Allman, aged 19, of Moreton Road, Stafford, admitted dangerous driving and driving without insurance, but a not guilty verdict was recorded to a charge of aggravated vehicle taking. He was given a 12-month community order with 120 hours' of unpaid community work and banned from driving for a year, with £500 costs to pay.
Judge Michael Chambers, QC, told him: "Dangerous driving is a particularly serious offence because it literally can result not only in serious injury, but death."
Miss Cortese said the pursuit started around 11pm on June 20 this year. Allman ignored the police sirens and blue lights and accelerated away. It was filmed on the patrol car's dashboard camera, with the footage shown to the court.
When questioned, Allman said he had drunk two pints in a pub and just picked the car keys off the table. He panicked when he saw the police car.
Mr Stephen Rudge, defending, said at the time he sped off Allman had no reason to suppose he was committing any motoring offences.
