A TEENAGER has been locked up after leading police on a high speed chase through Bromsgrove, Worcester Crown Court has heard.
Scott Gardener, of Montgomery Close, Catshill, was at the wheel driving at 80mph when an attempt was made to stop his car on August 6, 2014. When police put their blue lights on "it was like a red rag to a bull, " said Lee Egan, prosecuting.
The 19-year-old, who had no previous convictions, put his foot down and twice drove through traffic lights on red in a 30mph area. He also drove on the wrong side of the road and was eventually stopped by the use of a stinger device.
Even then he tried to drive on, but was eventually boxed in and his car window broken.
Gardener pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and having no licence or insurance. He was sentenced to five months detention in a young offenders institution and disqualified from driving for 62 weeks.
Jonathan Lewis, mitigating, said Gardener had fallen out with his employer and his girlfriend. He was no boy racer and was not being egged on. His failure to stop was a stupid decision.
Judge Michael Cullum said Gardener had risked his own and other people's lives with his reckless driving. It was a calculated and criminal offence which merited immediate custody.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here