BMW DRIVER LED POLICE ON 120MPH PURSUIT

24-YEAR-OLD SPED THROUGH RED LIGHTS AND ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD

A 24-YEAR-OLD man led police on a 120mph chase through Grimsby which ended with a controlled crash, putting lives at danger. Thomas Pearson, 24, failed to stop for officers who were combing the area for a suspect with a similar description who had committed a robbery nearby.

Pearson led officers and a specialist pursuit team on an extended chase through built-up areas with speeds frequently exceeding 90mph before he was finally brought to a stop. The pursuit of Pearson began at 3.05am on September 14 off Laceby Road in Grimsby. He even reached speeds of 100mph on the dual carriage way towards the A18. Officers recorded Pearson as driving at 90mph through one 30mph zone, ignoring a red traffic light at 80mph and driving directly over a mini-roundabout at a similar speed. He was later found to have been driving without a licence and without insurance for his BMW but was not the robbery suspect that the police were searching for.

Pearson appeared before Grimsby Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to driving without a full licence, driving without insurance and dangerous driving.

Prosecutor John Hobley told the court Pearson was seen driving dangerously in his efforts to avoid police including frequently taking to the wrong side of the road. The court heard the pursuit team recorded Pearson’s maximum speed at 120mph and said their own vehicles were struggling to keep up. Pearson was only stopped by a tactical collision with his vehicle which comes with a significant risk to the officers involved. He claimed that despite the speeds, he was driving with a degree of control but his solicitor,conceded that would have been difficult with the speeds recorded. Pearson, who has now relocated to the North East, has since assumed care responsibilities for a young relative and found regular employment which was considered in his sentencing.

In his summary during sentencing the judge described the incident an extremely serious case of dangerous driving.

He told Pearson: “It was only by good fortune and not good judgement that there was nobody harmed. You have set a terrible example for the young 14-year-old child that you are meant to be caring for.”

Pearson was given to a 12-month custodial sentence suspended for two years, he was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work in the community and was banned from driving for 18 months.