Hit-and-run killer driver back behind bars after police chase in stolen vehicle

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Anthony Whittaker, who has 11 convictions for driving while disqualified, was jailed for ten years in 2009 for causing death by dangerous driving.

Yet shortly after his early release Whittaker, who also has convictions for violence and drug taking, stole a Suzuki Alto and drove it around his home town of Bishop Auckland.

Durham Crown Court heard how he raced away after being spotted by police, driving over grassland and narrowly avoiding a woman, who had to jump out of the way.

VICTIMS: Bryan Hardwick and son Liam

The court was told that Whittaker had "an appalling record" which ended in tragedy in October 2008 when he killed two men and left a toddler fighting for life.

Best friends David Weatherburn, 40, Bryan Hardwick, 26, and Mr Hardwick's young son were standing in a pedestrian refuge on the A688 near South Church Industrial Estate, on the outskirts on Bishop Auckland, when they were hit by Whittaker's out-of-control car.

The subsequent trial heard how Whittaker had shown "complete disregard for human life" driving at speeds up to 100mph.

Mr Hardwick, from Walker Drive, Bishop Auckland, his one-year-old son Liam, and father-of-two Mr Weatherburn, from Price Avenue, were waiting to cross the road when Whittaker’s car ploughed into them before careering off the road and hitting a tree.

Mr Hardwick died from multiple injuries the same night, and Mr Weatherburn died in Darlington Memorial Hospital eight days later.

Liam survived, but spent three days fighting for his life in intensive care and needed a blood transfusion.

A breath test three hours after the accident showed Whittaker was twice the legal drink-drive limit. The driver said this was because he drank the vodka after the crash.

However, the judge disagreed and found him guilty. He was sentenced to ten years in jail.

Outlining the latest offence, prosecutor Paul Currer said a red Suzuki Alto was stolen between in April 27 and 28, after the keys the owner had dropped were found by the thief.

He said: “Shortly after noon on Saturday, May 2, officers saw the stolen vehicle displaying false registration plates in Bishop Auckland.

“When the officers approached, the defendant made off across an area of grassed land, where there was a female pedestrian walking. She had to take evasive action to get out of the path of the vehicle coming towards her.

CRASH SITE: Police at the scene

“Officers followed the vehicle to a nearby street, where the defendant abandoned it and ran off on foot.”

Whittaker was chased and arrested after he was found hiding in a nearby house.

Scott Smith, mitigating, acknowledged Whittaker’s “unenviable and appalling record”, but argued the offence was “not the most serious offence of its type”.

He said, the car had not been damaged and Whittaker had not been under the influence of alcohol at the time.

Mr Smith added: “He (Whittaker) is likely to serve a lengthy period in custody, not because of the offence or sentence passed today, but because of the licence recall which is likely to take place.”

Whittaker, of Brusselton View, Bishop Auckland, who appeared via video link, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking on an open grassed area between Lusby Crescent and Walker Drive, Bishop Auckland. He also admitted driving while disqualified.

Sentencing the 33-year-old to ten months in prison for the latest offence, Judge Simon Hickey said: “Looking at your record - 39 convictions for a 101 offences - your offending is littered with violence, drug taking, taking a bladed article and public order offences. That is the background in generally.

“In particular, from 2002 through to 2009, this is your 11th conviction for driving while disqualified. In my judgement, you have no regard whatsoever for court orders or driving bans.”

Whittaker was also banned from driving for a further two years and 16 weeks and ordered to pay £1,000 in fines and costs.