Driver tried to escape police through town

An UNINSURED driver took police on a pursuit through a Northumberland town after he “panicked” when he saw their car.

Connor Smith had three passengers in his Skoda Fabia when he did over 40mph in a 30 zone, bounced over speed bumps and failed to slow at give way junctions in a bid to evade officers.

The 21-year-old led police on a short chase through parts of Ashington before dumping the vehicle and trying to flee with his pals on foot, a court heard.

But then a change of mind made him stop and give himself up.

Now, Smith, of Maple Street, Ashington, faces a lengthy driving ban after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving with no insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and failing to stop for a police officer.

James Long, prosecuting at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court, said Smith first made off from officers when he saw them on Third Avenue shortly after midnight on January 22.

“The police officer illuminated his lights and sounded his sirens, requesting the vehicle to stop,” Mr Long continued. “It failed to stop.

“There was then a police pursuit along Maple Street and First Avenue, where the defendant’s vehicle accelerated to speeds of 40mph in a 30 zone.

“As his vehicle approached a give way junction, it failed to slow down and continued at speed straight over a blind crossroads.

“It increased speed as it bounced over speed bumps then it slowed and the four occupants made-off on foot.”

The court was told that, after Smith was detained, checks revealed he only held a provisional licence and to have no insurance.

Smith, representing himself, said he suffered from anxiety and depression but, since the offence, had moved house and got himself a job opportunity.

Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a Pre-Sentence Report and released him on unconditional bail to next appear at the same court on July 21.