Police chase driver keeps licence

A restaurant worker who hit speeds of more than 70 miles per hour as he led police on a high speed chase through city streets has avoided a ban.

Hassan Mohammed, 20, already had eight points on his licence when he ignored chasing police officers despite their siren and blue lights being activated.

Mohammed sped across several roundabouts and only eventually came to a halt when he got cornered in a cul-de-sac.

But yesterday a Justice of the Peace imposed just three points on his licence despite being told police were unable to keep up with him at 70mph in urban Perth.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode told the JP court: “Officers saw the accused’s BMW being driven at grossly excessive speed.

“They immediately activated their blue lights and sirens and followed and he was seen to take a roundabout at speed. The police vehicle was travelling at speeds in excess of 70mph.

“The accused’s vehicle was travelling at such a speed that it accelerated away and was lost to sight. He didn’t stop when the lights were activated and a chase ensued.”

Mohammed, Almond Gardens, admitted driving carelessly and at excessive speed and negotiating roundabouts too fast on November 7 last year. He also admitted failing to stop for police.

JP Christine Grant left him with 11 points on his licence and fined him £270.