Drink-driver who drove at 130mph on the A1 is jailed
POLICE TOOK THREE MILES TO CATCH UP WITH MAN IN FRIEND’S CAR
A DRINK driver who did up to 130mph on the A1 after helping himself to his friend’s car has been jailed after branding his own actions “absolute stupidity”.
Self-employed plumber Roger Renforth already had two previous convictions for driving with excess alcohol when he got behind the wheel again while more than twice the limit.
A court heard police spotted him speeding near Morpeth, Northumberland, and he was going so fast it took them three miles to catch up to him, with the pursuing officer having to reach a speed of 130mph at one point.
Now Renforth, 32, of Hawks Edge, West Moor, North Tyneside, who had been given a suspended sentence just two days earlier, has been locked up despite pleas a prison sentence would impact on his family and business.
Judge Stephen Earl, at Newcastle Crown Court, told him: “You are a man who has been before the court – this is your third time for excess alcohol and your second for driving dangerously.
“This time you took someone else’s vehicle, in which you drove dangerously. This was a prolonged period of poor driving at high speed.
“Knowing the police officer was there you reduced your speed, then when you thought he was not looking and had turned off, you increased your speed to 130mph.
“You got three miles away before he could even catch you, such was the speed you had done.
“One year into a three-year ban, here you are again with excess alcohol. Two days after receiving a suspended sentence, here you are again.
“Thankfully you didn’t actually kill anyone or injure anyone.”
The court heard it was around 10.45pm on Saturday January 13 that police first saw the car Renforth was driving near Jackson’s garage in Morpeth.
The officer slowed and let the Audi past but then followed it on the A1.
Prosecutor David Crook said: “The officer accelerated significantly for three miles to the Clifton slip road and saw the Audi ahead.
“The police officer was doing 130mph and the defendant was approaching other road users at that point.
“The defendant was overtaking other vehicles then accelerated again. The police vehicle was doing 128mph at this stage.”
Renforth was eventually pulled over at the Shotton junction and when he was spoken to it was apparent he was under the influence of alcohol.
When he was breathalysed at the police station he was found to be more than twice the limit.
He confirmed he did not have permission to use the car, which belonged to a friend, and admitted he was a disqualified driver.
Mr Crook said: “He said he couldn’t remember doing more than 100mph and when told it was 128mph plus, he said he couldn’t remember doing that sort of speed. He described it as absolute stupidity and dangerous.”
Renworth pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle-taking, driving while disqualified, excess alcohol and having no insurance. He also admitted being in breach of a suspended prison sentence imposed two days earlier for threatening to burn down the property of his ex after the end of their 15-year relationship.
He was jailed for a total of 11-and-ahalf months and banned from driving for three years and five months.
Jane Foley, defending, said dad-oftwo Renforth is a self-employed plumber who has four people working for him.
Miss Foley added: “He recognises by committing this most recent offence he has essentially insulted the court as he has been given a chance at the magistrates’ court and two days later commits these further offences that are dangerous and appalling.
“He is disgusted with himself and so he should be.
“He is embarrassed, ashamed and very concerned and frightened at the prospect of losing his liberty.
“His life at the time was not easy, he was living in hotels after breaking up with his long-term partner. He now has greater stability and is living with his parents.”