Woman ran from path of speeding driver during high speed Hartlepool police chase

The woman was getting out of her parked car in Greenock Road at Owton Manor when she saw a black Hyundai driven by Louis Stevenson heading towards her at speed.

Stevenson, 27, who had no insurance or licence, was trying to outrun the police at the time and drove at speeds of between 55mph and over 70mph in several 30mph streets on the evening of May 2 last year.

Teesside Crown Court heard he panicked when police saw him acting suspiciously while driving on Catcote Road at about 8.45pm.

The police car followed Stevenson after a check revealed the vehicle was not insured and they turned on their siren and flashing lights.

Chris Morrison, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, said: “That made no difference to the driver who accelerated away at 68mph in a 30mph restricted zone.”

Back up was called for as Stevenson raced down Brierton Lane, around Sinclair Road, Marlowe Road, Masefield Road, Eskdale Road and Fordyce Road.

Describing the near-miss in Greenock Road, Mr Morrison added: “A member of the public was getting out of a vehicle further down the street.

"It was clear that the lady was concerned for her own safety as she ran from the road to avoid being in the path of the vehicle who at that time was doing somewhere approaching 60mph.”

The Hyundai eventually stopped after Stevenson braked hard. He abandoned the car and tried to make a run for it but then gave himself up.

He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and having no licence or insurance.

The court heard that there was not much traffic or many pedestrians on the roads at the time the driving occurred.

Stevenson, of Dunoon Road, Hartlepool, had a previous conviction for driving with excess alcohol from 2016.

A report by the probation service said he has a job and family responsibilities and would benefit from help with his decision making.

He was banned from driving for two years and must pass an extended test, and was given eight months prison suspended for two years.

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