Banned driver almost hit pensioner as he fled police at up to 70mph
A DANGEROUS driver who was already banned from the roads almost knocked over a pensioner during a police chase at more than twice the speed limit.
Elias Gray should not have been behind the wheel at all but was spotted by police in Ashington, Northumberland, driving too fast.
Officers activated their blue lights and sirens to indicate for him to pull over but he accelerated away at speed.
Matthew Collins, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: “He failed to stop and began driving, and not only at speed but with considerable danger to both pedestrians and other road users.
“He drove down the centre of North Seaton Road, forcing vehicles on both sides of the carriageway to take evasive action.”
The court heard Gray reached up to 70mph on North Seaton Road, which has a 30mph limit.
Mr Collins said: “At this point there were not only other cars on the road but pedestrians who could be seen on both sides of the road using the footpath.
“Despite being clearly seen, this defendant continued to speed and narrowly avoided a collision with an elderly female pushing a shopping basket across the road.”
Due to the volume of traffic, Gray was forced to drive between the two lanes of cars.
He then turned into a 20mph residential street, First Avenue, which has trafficcalming measures in place.
Mr Collins said: “Despite the speed bumps, he was reaching speeds of no less than 40mph and the car can be seen to be driving very quickly over the speed bumps, causing the car to bounce rapidly.”
When he reached a junction, he failed to give way and did not stop before hitting a parked car and fleeing on foot.
Police caught up with him and he refused to give a sample of blood or urine.
The 39-year-old, of Hartford Bridge Caravan Site, Bedlington, Northumberland, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to provide a specimen and having no insurance.
Jailing him for nine months, Judge Amanda Rippon said: “I’ve watched the footage and your driving was completely appalling.
“You came very close to hitting a pedestrian and you did, in fact, hit a parked car.
“You put innumerable people at significant risk.
“You have children but drove on that road with little regard for any pedestrian such as a child kicking a ball or a child on a bike.”
The court heard Gray has previous convictions for disqualified driving, having no licence and insurance and failing to provide a specimen.
And the day after the current offence, he was sentenced by magistrates for driving while disqualified and having no insurance – meaning he was on bail at the time, as well as being on licence having been released from prison after a previous offence.
Joe Hedworth, for Gray, said he had suffered anxiety and depression as a result of the breakdown of a relationship.
He added that he has worked hard running a landscape gardening business and has got off methadone while remanded in custody.