Teenager fled police at 90mph
A TEENAGER without a driving licence became involved in a police chase which saw him driving up to speeds of 90mph with his lights off.
John Lee, 19, was clocked by police shortly after 1am on May 20 in Cwm, near Ebbw Vale, but despite having no licence or insurance he embarked on a police chase which saw him driving at high speeds on the wrong side of the road.
The defendant was later found to be in possession of cannabis and two knives.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court heard Lee was seen driving a blue Renault Clio in Marine Street, Cwm, by an officer on patrol who was aware that Lee was wanted on recall to prison.
Prosecutor Suzanne Payne said the officer followed the vehicle on the A4046 towards Aberbeeg, reaching speeds of 90mph.
The Clio then approached the roadworks in the area, driving through a red light at 70mph with an embankment and a drop to a forestry area on either side of him.
Lee continued at speed on the A467 towards Abertillery, driving at around 80mh in a 40mph zone, and turned his lights off to avoid detection.
While driving along the A467 towards Brynmawr, Lee continually swerved into the opposite carriageway and at times drove on the wrong side of the road with his lights on and off.
The defendant then overtook another driver, travelling on the wrong side of the road at 80mph, and as he approached the Rising Sun industrial estate in Blaina he dropped his speed to 65mph and swerved to the correct side of the road.
Police later deployed a stinger device to stop Lee and it succeeded in puncturing a tyre, causing the Clio to reduce its speed to between 20mph-30mph.
Lee attempted to run from the car towards an embankment but an officer drew his Taser and told the defendant to lie on the floor, which he did.
During his arrest Lee admitted being in possession of a small quantity of cannabis and he was found with a blue-handled knife bound in blue tape and a silver flick knife.
In his police interview the defendant said he had bought the car from a friend a few days previously and was travelling to a family member’s house but became scared after seeing the police vehicle.
He later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without a licence, driving without insurance, possession of cannabis, and two counts of possessing a knife in a public place.
Defence barrister Ben Waters said while he conceded his client had driven in a dangerous manner, the incident took place in the early hours of the morning and in non-residential areas.
Sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards said: “Your behaviour on that night was terrifying. You put yourself at risk and other road-users and for why? To avoid being returned to prison where you have ended up.
“You are now a man, although your behaviour that night was that of a reckless boy.”
Lee, of Retreta Road, Sodbury, Bristol, was sentenced to 14 months’ detention in a young offenders’ institute and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.