Man jailed for police chase ‘like something off of television’

Man, 26, drove at 70mph in areas where the limit was 20mph

A “car-obsessed” motorist who led police on a high-speed pursuit through the streets of Perth has been given a lifetime driving ban.

John Phillips drove through a 20mph zone at speeds of more than 70mph, forcing other drivers to take evasive action.

Perth Sheriff Court heard the 26-yearold sped through a red light and went over mini-roundabouts during the chase on Sunday December 18.

Sheriff William Wood told him: “This is one of the worst cases of dangerous driving that I’ve ever come across.”

Phillips, who has racked up nearly 50 years in driving bans since 2007, was also jailed for 11 months.

Depute fiscal Craig Donald said that Phillips was spotted driving his black Volkswagen Golf by police on patrol in Perth’s Strathtay Road.

“They activated their blue lights and sirens to indicate for Mr Phillips to stop.

“However, he accelerated away from them.”

Mr Donald said Phillips failed to negotiate a mini-roundabout and ignored a red light.

“He turned onto Rannoch Road and continued to accelerate,” he said. “The police officers noted their speed was 60mph, but they were making no ground on the accused.

“Police noted he was driving in excess of 70mph.”

The court heard that another car had to stop as Phillips refused to slow down at a Give Way junction.

Mr Donald said: “There was another vehicle emerging on to the road and the driver had to brake suddenly to avoid hitting the accused.

“Mr Phillips accelerated again and the pursuing officers lost sight of him.

“He was later traced to an address in Perth, arrested and charged.”

Phillips, who was previously described in court as “car obsessed”, admitted driving dangerously while disqualified and without insurance.

Solicitor Paul Ralph told the court there were tragic circumstances behind the incident.

Phillips’ father had died in the summer and he was struggling to come to terms with the loss.

Sheriff Wood told Phillips: “Clearly this was quite an appalling sequence of driving, placing lives and properties in danger – including your own.

“It’s like something off of television or from a movie.

“While I sympathise with you, it’s not a case where this was out of character for you.

“In fact, this a repeat of what has happened before. This has to end now.”

In 2015, Phillips, of Huntingtower Road, Perth, was jailed for 20 months and banned from driving for 10 years after a drink-fuelled police pursuit through Perth.

He has convictions for 34 previous offences.

This has to end now. SHERIFF WILLIAM WOOD

John Phillips was handed a lifetime ban from driving and jailed when he appeared at Perth Sheriff Court yesterday.