Hartlepool danger driver with ‘disastrous’ record banned after police chase

Mark Smith, 44, who has a ‘disastrous’ driving record had no licence and was uninsured when he failed to stop for police in the early hours of the morning in the Rift House area of Hartlepool.

He sped off from officers in his girlfriend’s Nissan Juke at around 2.45am on June 22, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Rachel Butt, prosecuting, said: “The officers signalled with their blue light and sirens for the defendant to stop but he failed to do so and instead increased his speed.

"He cut corners and drove at speed along a residential area. The defendant then mounted a footpath and drove along a grassy area before driving off at speed.”

Smith was forced to stop when he reached a dead end and tried to run away from the police officers before giving himself up.

He admitted dangerous driving, and having no insurance or licence.

The court heard he has 49 previous convictions including several driving offences including two for previous dangerous driving and also driving while disqualified.

Samuel Ponniah, defending, said Smith had kept out of trouble for the last 13 years after a spell in prison and he was keen not to go back.

Mr Ponniah said: “He does have a disastrous record for driving offences.

"He recognises that what he has done was something incredibly dangerous and stupid but he doesn’t seek to do anything like that again.”

He added Smith, of Masefield Road, Hartlepool, cares for his mother and was remorseful as soon as he was arrested.

Mr Ponniah described the offences as a ‘stupid blip’ rather than a pattern of offending and said Smith has shown he can stay out of trouble.

Judge Howard Crowson banned Smith from driving for a year and gave him 12 months prison suspended for 12 months.

Judge Crowson said: “This was a poor piece of driving. It’s certainly not the worst I’ve seen but nevertheless risks to other people were there as a possibility.”

Smith was also ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work for the community.

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.