Road ban for man after crash while fleeing from police

An unlicensed motorist crashed a car he planned to learn to drive in into an embankment in a bid to get away from police.

Lee Cooke continued steering the Ford Focus, despite its front engine and wheel damage, before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot.

Newcastle Crown Court heardthe28-year-old,whohad bought the car so he could start driving lessons, was arrested later at his home and told officers he had hurt his arm in the smash.

Prosecutor Mark Giuliani told the court Cooke had refused to pull over when flashed by blue police lights and sirens at Station Road, Hetton, on April 26.

Cooke travelled for aboutfive miles, often at high speed, with the police on his tail and caused other motorists to swerve out of his way. He eventuallylostcontrolofthecarand it went into an embankment afterit“fishtailed”threetimes.

Cooke,ofRegentStreet,Hetton, admitted dangerous driving, failing to stop, having no insurance or licence and possessing a small amount of cannabis.

Judge Tim Gittins sentenced Cooke to four months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with supervision, 75 hours’ unpaid work and an 18-month road ban.He must pass an extended driving test before he can get behind the wheel.

The court heard Cooke has a new baby, is not heavily convicted and is willing to work with the probation service.

He has a previous conviction for driving without due care and attention, when he was using a phone while driving a moped.

Judge Gittins warned him: “You stay away from vehicles from now, until you care in a legitimate position to take lessons.”