Wolverhampton car chase pair sped at over 70mph
A thief and his accomplice tore through the streets of Wolverhampton at speeds of over 70mph during a high-speed police pursuit, a court heard.
Driver Peter Hammond was chased for up to 12 minutes by police as he raced his Skoda Octavia through red lights and swerved in and out of traffic.
His passenger, Alan Hughes, had earlier stolen parcels from a delivery driver who was dropping off goods in the Penn area. But the chase came to an end when Hammond smashed the car into a Fiesta.
It left the passenger in the Ford with 11 days in hospital for six broken ribs.
Prosecutor Mr Scott Coughtrie told Wolverhampton Crown Court that David Baker was in his Ford Mondeo delivering parcels in the Warstones and Penn area of the city on July 12 last year.
He had left his keys in the ignition and saw Hughes jump in the car and speed off. Goods were then unloaded into Hammond's Skoda in nearby Hamble Road. But two police officers who had seen the Mondeo being driven by Hughes recognised the defendant in the passenger seat of the Skoda and gave chase.
Mr Coughtrie said Hughes, aged 41, of Alleston Walk, Bushbury, had 21 previous conviction for dishonesty. He admitted two counts of theft.
Miss Sarah Hurd, for Hughes, said her client had taken on voluntary work since the incident.
Hammond, 30, of Bushbury Lane, Low Hill, admitted handling stolen goods and dangerous driving. He had three previous convictions for dishonesty offences, the court was told.
Miss Michelle Heeley, for Hammond, said her client had emphasised "genuine remorse and regret" .
Hammond was jailed for 16 months and banned from driving for four years. Hughes was jailed for a year.
By Crime Correspondent Shaun Jepson
