Young driver sped away from police at 70mph '“ switching off his lights during chase

Connor Rudd had just dropped a friend off in Hartlepool when a patrol car indicated for him to stop, Teesside Crown Court heard.

“The officer saw collision damage on the front off side of Rudd’s Fiesta,” said Rachel Masters, prosecuting. “The officer illuminated the blue lights on the patrol car.

“The Fiesta accelerated away, turning into Easington Road, reaching speeds in excess of 70mph.

“In the pursuit that followed, the Fiesta exceeded 70mph in 30mph limit roads, and the driver turned off its lights as he drove along Oakesway.

“He drove down an alleyway, and along a cycle path before being boxed in by the patrol car and a parked vehicle in Powlett Road.

“When interviewed by police later, Rudd confirmed he owned the car and had insurance for it, and he had a driving licence. He said he just panicked when he saw the police.”

Rudd, 19, of Ashcombe Close, Billingham, admitted dangerous driving on February 21.

Jamie Adams, defending, said: “He had no reason not to stop when asked to do so, and cannot explain why he didn’t.”

Judge Stephen Ashurst jailed Rudd for nine months, suspended for two years, and ordered him to do 80 hours of community work.

The judge told him: “This was a bad piece of driving which put members of the public at risk.”

He was banned from driving for three years, and ordered to pay £425 prosecution costs.