‘Deplorable record’ offender jailed for dangerous driving

AN ASPIRING mechanic drove through a red light and topped 50mph in a quiet residential street as he tried to get away from the police.

Cardiff Crown Court heard 24-yearold Craig Gillatt sped through the streets of Cardiff before hopping into the rear passenger seat and telling officers someone else had been behind the wheel.

Judge Stephen Hopkins QC told the defendant: “You have a deplorable record.”

The court heard officers saw Gillatt driving a blue Ford Fiesta along Lansdowne Road towards Ely at 11.25pm on Monday, April 3.

Thomas Roberts, prosecuting, said he drove through a red light and started “weaving from side to side” as they followed him.

Prosecutors said he ignored the blue flashing lights, indicating for him to pull over, and instead accelerated to 40mph as he crossed the junction with Cowbridge Road East.

The court heard he reached 50mph as he drove down Windway Avenue – a residential street with a 30mph limit in place.

Mr Roberts said the defendant climbed into the back seat as the police car caught him up and told officers someone else had been driving.

Prosecutors said he had 12 previous convictions for 25 offences, including taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, driving while under the influence of drugs and driving while disqualified.

He was jailed in September last year for speeding the wrong way down Grand Avenue in Ely, causing other motorists to brake sharply and swerve to avoid a head-on collision.

On that occasion, Judge Patrick Curran QC noted the pattern of repeat offending.

He warned him: “You will find that the sentences get longer and longer and the only way to avoid that is to stop committing these offences.”

Gillatt, from St David’s Crescent in Ely, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

James Evans, defending, accepted his client had a “significant” record.

He argued it was a “relatively short” chase and told the court Gillatt hopes to study mechanics at Cardiff and Vale College.

Mr Evans said: “There is some glimmer of hope for this young man. He wants to get qualifications and live a more constructive life.”

Judge Hopkins told the defendant: “In spite of the increasing terms, you won’t or can’t learn.”

He described Gillatt as a “persistent offender”.

The judge added: “The potential for serious injury is all too obvious.”

Gillatt was jailed for 13 months and disqualified from driving for five years.