Disqualified driver led police on chase
MAN WAS ON HIS WAY TO PROBATION MEETING
A DANGEROUS motorist who was banned from driving took police on a reckless nine-minute chase – going through red lights and speeding on residential streets.
Callum Lough, who had been disqualified from driving for a previous offence, got behind the wheel of an Audi A5 on Washington Road but was spotted by police.
He sped off and a pursuit took place during which he went through red lights “on numerous occasions” and reached 50mph in a 20mph zone.
South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard he also passed John F Kennedy Primary School.
The police signalled for him to stop and followed him with their sirens and flashing lights on.
But the court heard he did not halt until he arrived in the Dilston Close area of Oxclose and abandoned the car.
He left the Audi in ‘drive mode,’ which resulted in the vehicle rolling and colliding with another car.
Police officers then found him hiding in the home of a relative nearby.
Now Lough, 27, of Waxwing, Emerson, Washington, has pleaded guilty to four charges – dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, failing to stop for police and driving without insurance.
Prosecutor Glenda Beck said the offences took place at around 2.10pm on January 9.
She told the court: “A pursuit took place which lasted for nine minutes. He overtook vehicles on wrong sides of the carriageway and contravened red traffic lights on numerous occasions.
“He drove through built-up areas during the pursuit.”
Paul McAlindon, representing Lough, said his client was due to meet with probation officers on the day the incident took place. He was expecting a lift to the venue but that had fallen through.
Mr McAlindon added: “He was a bit panicked. He made the wrong and catastrophic decision to drive to his probation appointment.
“Travelling back from Sunderland, police came upon him. He sees police behind him and knows they are trying to stop him. He makes matters 10 times worse and drives off.”
He also said Lough was engaging with the probation service.
“He was driving to probation and he did not want to get into trouble with probation,” said Mr McAlindon.
“With hindsight, he should have rung them up and said ‘I can’t make it.’”
Magistrates decided to send the case to Newcastle Crown Court for sentence. Lough is due to appear there on March 27.