A DISQUALIFIED driver who led officers on a dangerous 20-minute pursuit was arrested, convicted and sentenced – all within 48 hours.
Liam Storey ignored red lights and reached speeds of up to 80mph through residential areas in Newcastle on Saturday evening (May 21).
But the 31-year-old lost control of the silver BMW he was driving, clipping his rear wheel off a traffic island which caused the tyre to deflate.
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That allowed officers from the Force’s Motor Patrols Department to successfully bring the vehicle to a safe and swift stop – and take Storey into custody.
On Monday - less than 48 hours after the pursuit - Storey, of Eastern Way, Kenton, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, no insurance use and failing to provide a specimen when he appeared before magistrates in Newcastle.
He was subsequently jailed for one year and handed a 30-month driving ban with the requirement of taking an extended test before he can ever drive again.
Inspector Dean Hood, of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols Department, said: “This was a fast-moving incident that endangered the lives of other road users.
“For an offender to be arrested, charged, convicted and sentenced all within 48 hours is an excellent result and I would like to thank everyone who played their part, including all our criminal justice partners. It was a real team effort.
“Our roads are not racetracks and we are committed to bringing effective justice against anybody who flouts the law and risks the safety of the public while behind the wheel.
“We make no apology for our robust response and I am pleased that Storey now begins a custodial term.”
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The court heard that police spotted the silver BMW which was of interest at about 5.35pm on Saturday as it headed on the A696 past Woolsington towards Newcastle.
But when instructed to pull over by officers, Storey instead hit the accelerator – and reached speeds of nearly three times the legal limit as he drove through Newbiggin Hall and towards Stamfordham village.
When arrested, Storey claimed to officers that he had “blacked out” – but later refused to cooperate with police in interview.
He now begins a custodial term.
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