Judge gives ‘idiotic’ teenage driver one more chance
An “idiotic” teenager who led police on a pursuit through a residential area has been told by a judge that he is in the “last chance saloon”.
Judge Simon Batiste told Robert Surtees that it was “fortunate” that no-one died during the one-and-a-halfmile-long chase through Hendon, Sunderland, on May 17.
The uninsured 19-year-old sped off when he noticed a police car behind him, topping 50mph in residential areas and even taking a roundabout the wrong way.
Prosecutor Wardlaw told the court how the dangerous chase only came to an end when the defendant drove down a dead end.
He said: “The police vehicle was behind him and he took off at exceptional speed, going at between 40 -50mph in a 30 limit.
“After coming to a stop he got out the vehicle having driven into dead end street.”
In an interview following his arrest, Surtees admitted charges of dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving whilst disqualified.
Steven Reed, defending, said his client had suffered a difficult childhood, but was trying to improve his life.
Mr Reed said: “The defendant says his driving was stupid, idiotic and dangerous. He is now living with his sister and he is working part time as a mechanic.”
Judge Simon Batiste sentenced him to 10 months, suspended for 18 months.
Surtees, of Avonmouth Road, Sunderland, must also undertake 150 hours of unpaid work and a 15 day rehabilitation requirement. He has also been disqualified from driving for two years.