Driver fled on country lanes at 100mph

A DANGEROUS driver who reached speeds of more than 100mph on country lanes in Somerset said he panicked when police tried to pull him over.

Jamie Allsop, 20, put his foot down after being spotted by officers in Shepton Mallet.

He went through a red light and almost hit two pedestrians during a 10-minute pursuit to Wells and back. Taunton Crown Court was told that he reached speeds of 100mph in a 40mph zone and 70mph in a 30mph area.

The chase ended after Allsop ditched his Ford Fiesta in a cul-de-sac and made a failed attempt to run away. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

The judge spared him immediate prison after hearing he has a good work ethic and has never been in trouble before.

He also has a number of health problems and a “panic disorder” which may have been triggered when police put on their blue lights.

Prosecutor Tom Faulkner said the incident happened shortly after midnight on February 12. Police tried to stop the Fiesta after spotting it in the Shepton Mallet area.

Allsop failed to stop and instead headed off at speed towards Wells on the A371.

He hit 100mph and then

80mph in a 40mph zone at Croscombe before turning around at Wells and heading back along the same road.

At one point two pedestrians had to duck out of the way and Allsop took “no regard” for other road users, said the prosecutor.

He had two passengers in the car at the time. He was arrested after trying to flee the abandoned car.

Rhianna Fricker, defending, said Allsop has no previous convictions and due to his health issues would be vulnerable if sent to prison.

He has severe anxiety and a panic disorder. He was very sorry for what he had done.

Allsop, of Bourke Street, Shepton Mallet, was jailed for eight months, suspended for 24 months.

Judge Paul Cook said: “It is a terrifying course of driving and you went at grossly excessive speeds.

“It is a course of driving about which you feel immense shame and remorse.”

He added: “Your panic disorder extremely distorted your response and played some part in your decision to flee police.”

He told Allsop he had come close to going straight to prison.

Allsop was banned from driving for 18 months and must do 25 days of rehabilitation with probation, 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £340 costs.