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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Rod Malcolm

Dangerous driver hit 100mph during police chase

A dangerous driver was circled by police cars but managed to evade them before hitting 100mph and roaring through red traffic lights.

The incident earned warehouse worker Michael Stevenson a three-year driving ban. He will have to pass a tougher test if he wants to take the wheel again.

The chase was outlined at Nottingham Crown Court. An 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, was ordered for Stevenson of Alfreton Road, Radford. He admitted dangerous driving and must carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work .

Philip Plant, prosecuting, said that a CCTV operator saw a man getting into a Vauxhall Insignia, "stumbling around as if under the influence of alcohol."

The car moved onto St Peter's Way, Mansfield and police officers began to follow early on June 22, 2018. One began to follow.

Mr Plant went on: "A second car came up behind and a third manoeuvred to block him. One pulled alongside but the defendant managed to drive off."

Within moments, the Vauxhall went through a red light and turned onto Quaker Way, where it reached double the 30mph limit.

On Chesterfield Road South, the driver ignored another red light and hit 90mph, triple the limit.

"The police officer said that the defendant was still accelerating and his speed was 100mph.

"The defendant was straddling the middle line, using both carriageways to make progress," said Mr Plant.

On the A617, the Insignia went through the third red light before the car was stopped as it neared the M1 motorway. A drug test showed "a positive for cannabis as an initial indication."

Mr Plant said that Stevenson had twice before been convicted of dangerous driving.

Gregor Purcell, mitigating, said that Stevenson had served a prison sentence since this offence was committed nearly two years ago. He has now got his life sorted out.

He gained a job on the railways where drug testing is "mandatory and often done at random." That had caused him no problems.

Since then, he has got a job in a textile warehouse, has a young son and a partner.

Mr Purcell added: "He deserves to go to prison, he knows that but is hoping you might afford him a chance."

Recorder Collingham Thompson QC told Stevenson: "This is your very last chance.

"It is pure good luck there was no damage and no injuries to other road users.

"You have two previous offences of dangerous driving and a whole host of driving while disqualified."

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