Learner driver who fled police avoids jail term

A LEARNER driver pursued by police in north Belfast kept going for a mile after a stinger device blew out the car’s tyres, a court heard yesterday.

Jonathan Sterling claimed he only continued because he feared he was being chased and suffered a panic attack.

The 32-year-old, of Bainesmore Drive in the city, was given a three-month suspended prison sentence and disqualified from driving for a year.

Belfast Magistrates Court was told police were alerted to him being in his partner’s Vauxhall Vectra in the early hours of March 18.

The car sped away after being spotted on the Shankill Road and Twaddell Avenue.

A prosecution lawyer said it continued onto the Crumlin Road despite the officers in hot pursuit flashing their blue lights.

The vehicle then headed onto Ballysillan Road, travelling at speed in the direction of waiting PSNI officers.

The stinger device was deployed, puncturing the Vectra’s tyres, but failing to halt it.

Eventually the car was located a further mile away on Oldpark Road. The defendant was arrested at that point and claimed to be unaware it had been police in pursuit.

“He thought he was being chased and said he was having a panic attack,” the prosecutor added.

Sterling was convicted of failing to stop for police, having no insurance, being an unaccompanied learner driver and failing to display ‘L’ plates.

Defence counsel Sean O’Hare said his client has taken steps to address underlying issues behind the offending.

Mr O’Hare also told the court police had been contacted by Sterling’s partner because of her concerns for him.

District Judge Amanda Brady, suspending the three-month jail term for 18 months, also imposed a total of £150 in fines.