A dangerous driver led police on a high speed chase in the early hours of the morning before smashing into a set of railings.
Lee Rylance was suspected of drink driving on February 22 this year, but when patrolling police in South Shields attempted to pull him over, he sped-off and instead led them on a dangerous chase that saw him mount various kerbs and hit speeds of up to 70mph in residential areas. The pursuit finally ended when Rylance smashed into a set of railings, but he still attempted to drive away and had to be threatened with a Taser by police before finally being arrested.
Rylance, 44, of Norwich Way, Jarrow, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday to be sentenced for dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and failing to provide a specimen. He had pleaded guilty to the charges.
Kate Barnes, prosecuting, said police were on duty at 1.25am when they received information regarding two people - who were suspected of drinking - getting into a car outside the Life of Riley bar in South Shields. She said: "Police were on River Drive when the suspected vehicle drove past, the police followed the vehicle, which was travelling at 50mph in a 30mph zone."
The court heard that Rylance was driving the Toyota Aygo with a female passenger and he was seen crossing over a roundabout before mounting a kerb. It was then that the car "suddenly stopped" before attempts to start the engine could be heard. Ms Barnes said: "Police drove alongside the vehicle and the defendant waved at the officer to approach. However, he then started the engine and accelerated away. The police made after the defendant and activated the blue lights."
Rylance continued to avoid the pursuing police and mounted another kerb before driving on the wrong side of the road near Coronation Street. Rylance also hit speeds of up to 70mph before driving past South Tyneside Magistrates' Court. Ms Barnes said: "The police reduced their speed but as the defendant drove up to a right hand bend, he lost control due to the high speed and smashed into railings, spinning the car 180 degrees."
When police approached the vehicle - which was written-off - Rylance, who appeared "heavily intoxicated", said, 'I'm sorry', before attempting to start the engine again. Police then had to threaten him with a Taser before he was arrested and taken to hospital. Following that, he was taken to Southwick police station in Sunderland where he "blew raspberries" when asked to provide a breath sample and failed to do so.
Jessica Slaughter, defending, said Rylance had no previous convictions and was a man of "good character" and had an "excellent work ethic". She told the court that Rylance's life took a different turn when his father died, he was made redundant from work and his relationship ended. Ms Slaughter said that he then lost his home weeks before the incident and had to stay with friends. The court heard there was a "realistic prospect of rehabilitation" and that Rylance cares for his disabled mother.
Sentencing Rylance, Judge Edward Bindloss said the incident was "out of character" and that he had shown "embarrassment and remorse". Rylance was given an eight month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and must complete 50 rehabilitation days. He will also do 100 hours unpaid work and he was banned from driving for 24 months and must sit and extended re-test if he wants his licence back.
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