A mindless driver high on cannabis ploughed into a wall after taking police on a dangerous pursuit through Sunderland.
Uninsured and with no licence, Johnny Watson clocked speeds on 70mph in 20mph zones, travelled on the wrong side of the road and the wrong way round a roundabout during the two-minute chase down residential streets. A court heard that, after crashing into a wall, the 20-year-old tried to flee the scene on foot but was detained by the pursuing officer nearby.
When spoken to, Watson admitted he'd taken cannabis but later refused to give a blood sample, stating he'd "already told them he'd "smoked green".
Watson, of Hylton Road, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen of blood, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence at Newcastle Crown Court and was given a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
Marte Alnaes, prosecuting, said an officer was on duty and parked up on Grindon Road, in Sunderland, shortly before 1am on February 21 this year when he saw Watson travelling towards the A183 and started to follow him. Ms Alnaes continued: "The defendant accelerated and, as he did so, drove on the wrong side of the road. The officer activated his blue lights and siren but, despite this, the defendant didn't stop.
"He drove at speeds above 70mph in 20mph zones. He entered a junction at a speed of 50mph when travelling on the wrong side of the road because of the excessive speed. He drove the wrong way around a roundabout on Pennywell Road. It's a built-up area with a speed limit of 20mph. He was travelling at a speed of 70mph."
The court heard that Watson, who has no past convictions, eventually lost control of his vehicle and ploughed into a brick wall before unsuccessfully trying to flee on foot. He then told the officer he had smoked cannabis and was arrested.
Shada Mellar, defending, said Watson had made two very bad decisions on the night in question, adding: "The first was getting in the vehicle while intoxicated and the second was, when police identified him, and, instead of pulling over, he put his foot down. He acted in a panic."
The court heard that Watson lacked maturity and had been under considerable stress at the time as his mum had undergone major surgery and he was having to take on more responsibilities within his family.
Giving Watson the suspended sentence and ordering him to do 120 hours of unpaid work, Judge Julie Clemitson said he'd driven at "ridiculous" speed and put lives at risk. She added: "You were driving illegally because you didn't have insurance or a driving licence and, when a police officer pulled out behind you, you obviously realised you were in a spot of trouble and, rather than stop, you put your foot down and tried to get away from police."
Watson was also banned from driving for 12 months and must sit an extended test before getting his licence back.
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