Bishop Auckland man spared prison after high speed chase through Sunderland (From The Northern Echo)

Bishop Auckland man spared prison after high speed chase through Sunderland

4:22pm Friday 31st October 2008

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A BANNED driver who sparked a high speed police chase through city centre streets has been spared jail.

Martin Brown failed to stop when officers flashed their lights and sirens and made off at speeds of more than 70mph.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how motorists and pedestrians in Sunderland were forced to take evasive action to avoid being hit by the 24-year-old's Citroen Saxo.

Prosecutor Carl Gumsley said: "He went through red lights and various road users had to swerve across the road to avoid collision.

"Pedestrians crossing had to get back onto the pavement.

"This was within the city centre area of Sunderland, there were number of members of the public around both in vehicles and on foot."

Brown, of Douglas Crescent, Bishop Auckland, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and using a vehicle without insurance.

Defence barrister Vince Ward said the chase was relatively short and no accidents were caused.

Mr Recorder Jonathan Boure-Arton said Brown could be given a chance to stay out of trouble and sentenced him to nine months behind bars, suspended for two years.

He was banned from driving for three years.

The judge told him: "You put pedestrians at risk and you put road users at risk."

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