Driver admits danger chase with police

A CRAZED driver forced residents out of their homes after a 110mph police chase.

Iain Martin was tailed for around 15 miles at high speed through Glasgow last October.

The 24 year-old eventually lost control and ploughed into gas box causing a potentially dangerous leak.

As Martin’s Citroen went on fire, homeowners were forced to flee amid fears of an explosion.

Fire crews luckily stepped in to prevent a blast – but Martin’s antics still left a £10,000 repair bill to fix the damage.

He could now face jail after he pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to a dangerous driving charge.

Martin, of Shettleston, will learn his fate later this month.

Police had become suspicious of a Citreon C4 car last October. It was found to be insured by an elderly couple – but it was Martin driving.

The vehicle was initially followed in the city’s East End eventually onto the M8 near Glasgow’s Govan. Officers ordered Martin to pull over, but it was clear he had “no intention to comply”.

Prosecutor John Bedford said there was a “vehicle pursuit” as the chase began to halt the driver.

He went on to ignore red lights in nearby Cardonald as he wove in and out of traffic.

Mr Bedford added: “Other vehicles were required to take evasive action.”

He rejoined the motorway before going on the M74 hurtling at more than 110mph.

Martin went on to race through streets, described as going at “grossly excessive speeds” for the conditions.

The Citroen’s wheels mounted the kerb at one point.

Martin went through more red lights and also took a roundabout on the wrong side of the road.

The court heard he then went into a “panic” after spotting he was being chased by at least two police cars.

Mr Bedford: “He accelerated harshly and moved onto the opposite carriageway.

“He lost control due to his speed and to the presence of an oncoming vehicle.”

The fiscal added Martin then smacked the kerb, mounted the pavement before smashing into a gas main in the city’s Baillieston.

The court heard the now burning Citroen was alight near to a leak of “high pressure gas”. Residents were evacuated but the fire brigade were able to put out the blaze and make the pipe safe.

Martin made no comment when held by police. It was found the car had false number plates.

The court heard a gas “line” was ruptured which caused an “immediate risk” to people in the area at the time. The damage took a week to fix resulting in “untold disruption” to the public.