A DISQUALIFIED driver who hit 100mph in a police pursuit in Halesowen has been locked up by a judge for
16 months.
Paul Spalding, aged 48, who had been warned by doctors he should not drive accelerated away after initially slowing down
for police officers in St John's Road.
Spalding who had 16 previous convictions on his criminal record for driving while banned then went through a
traffic light on red in his "borrowed" Audi which bore false registration plates.
He then shot across a junction without making any attempt to slow down before driving at high speed along narrow
streets that had cars parked on both sides.
The officers stayed on his trail as he headed towards Bearwood and when he was in Nimmings Road he lost control
of the Audi and ploughed into a roundabout.
Howard Searle, prosecuting, told Wolverhampton Crown Court it was then discovered that Spalding had repeatedly
been banned from the roads over the years.
Blondelle Thompson, for Spalding, said her client, who had 91 convictions on his criminal record, had been advised
by doctors not to drive because of "health issues."
She went on:"He cannot explain his behaviour and he cannot remember clearly what happened but he accepts he put other
road users in danger".
Spalding, of Frobisher Way, Smethwick, admitted driving dangerously, while disqualified and without insurance. He further pleaded guilty to possessing a small amount of cocaine found in his possession when he was arrested.
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