A DANGEROUS driver who narrowly avoided a high-speed crash after reaching speeds of 121mph on a dual carriageway has been jailed.

Robert Atkinson came close to causing a catastrophic collision after hurtling down the A189 Spine Road on the evening of March 23 last year.

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Atkinson endangered the lives of other road users as he reached almost twice the legal speed limit and his dangerous actions were seen by officers who saw him speed over the Moor Farm Roundabout.

Moments later, Atkinson almost caused a serious crash travelling in excess of 100mph, with the 30-year-old slamming on the brakes which resulted in sparks flashing from the underside of his car.

Thankfully he narrowly avoided crashing into another vehicle, but soon enough he was placed in handcuffs after officers from Northumbria Police's motor patrols department safely brought his car to a stop.

Last week, Atkinson, of Ashington, admitted dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

A judge sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment and banned him from driving for three years and nine months.

A police spokesman said: "There's no doubt that Atkinson could have killed somebody that night, as he showed a total disregard for other road users.

"Our roads are not race tracks and the law is not optional.

"We're pleased that the severity of his actions have been recognised with a jail term, and hope he uses this time to think about the potentially life-changing consequences that his actions could have on others.

"We will continue to do all we can to ensure dangerous drivers are taken off our roads and rightly brought to justice."

 

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