Motorist Carl Blakely was told he was fortunate not to have killed someone when he was involved in a police chase which ended with him crashing into two other vehicles.
Leeds Crown Court heard police followed his Honda Civic car from Marsh on March 27, when it appeared to be “running together” with a Vauxhall Astra.
A check showed no insurance or keeper registered and when it turned on to Carr Street an indication was given for the driver to pull over.
James Gelsthorpe prosecuting said rather than stop, it accelerated away reaching up to 55mp in the street which had a 30mph limit. Blakeley took the corner into Luck Lane too fast and was carried into the opposite carriageway. As he drove towards New Hey Road it overtook the Astra “in an erratic and aggressive manner” and as he turned into the busy New Hey Road he lost control and hit a parked car.
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Mr Gelsthorpe said the driver continued on his way and tried to take a bend at speed losing control and colliding with the rear of a van forcing the driver who was standing by it to jump out of the way to avoid being hit.
Officers then saw the car rebound into another parked vehicle before coming to a halt. The driver got out and ran off but was caught and Blakeley said he had panicked because he had no insurance or licence. He said he had recently bought the vehicle for £200 and knew his driving had been stupid and reckless.
Adam Birkby representing Blakely said: “He would like to offer his wholehearted and sincere apologies for his behaviour. He appreciates someone could have been seriously injured or killed.
“This case is all about immaturity and the fact that he panicked and drove when he did not have sufficient experience to control the car at the reckless speed he was going.”
Blakely, 22 of Lockbridge Way, Milnsbridge, admitted dangerous driving and was given an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years with 300 hours unpaid work and disqualified from driving for two years.
