Dangerous driver fled from police

AN UNINSURED driver legged it from police after smashing into a BMW and causing £2,000 damage to a school wall during a dangerous chase.

Christopher Carr was behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Vectra when he was seen by police in Gateshead and checks showed the car had no insurance.

Officers signalled for the 19-year-old to pull over but he made off, sparking a pursuit through residential streets which ended in him crashing.

Dashcam footage from the police car shows him fleeing from the car over his bonnet and running off.

He caused extensive damage to a woman’s BMW and left Kells Lane School with a hefty bill for the wall, which is in a conservation area and needed specialist repairs.

Now Carr, of Pottersway, Gateshead, has been given a suspended prison sentence, unpaid work and was ordered to pay compensation to the school and the owner of the car he damaged.

Newcastle Crown Court heard it was around 1am on July 14 when officers in an unmarked police car saw Carr driving with a passenger.

The five-minute chase which followed took place in residential streets, with cars parked on either side, at speeds of up to 50mph.

Despite fleeing the scene, he was easily traced as he was the registered keeper of the car.

A manager at Kells Lane School said the caretaker having to fix the wall impacted on other jobs he had to do and cost £2,100.

Carr pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident, failing to report an accident, failing to stop for a constable and having no insurance.

He was given seven months suspended for 12 months with 120 hours unpaid work, an 18 month driving ban and must pay £2,900 compensation.

Judge Stephen Earl, who said Carr had “legged it” after the crash, told him: “This was an appalling example of dangerous driving, I hope you will learn from this.”

Steven Reed, defending, said Carr had admitted his guilt to the police and co-operated, adding: “This was a momentary aberation. He full accepts it was a stupid act he did and he is fully remorseful.”

Mr Reed said Carr was going through a break-up and feared he might not see his baby daughter.

He added: “He (Carr) comes from a stable family and it’s been a chastening experience for him.”