JAILED: Driver fled police at 77mph in 30 zone wrongly thinking he was over the limit
An overly-anxious motorist who needlessly led police on a high-speed chase – while wrongly believing he was over the drink-drive limit – was starting a 10-month sentence today.
Gordon Deen careered along residential streets, weaving in and out of traffic at up to 70mph in a 30 zone, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.
The 34-year-old also sped through red lights and went the wrong way round bollards and traffic islands, forcing other drivers to take evasive action at 11am on June 13, said Mr Nicholas Burn, prosecuting.
Deen caused minor damage to both a mail van and another vehicle before crashing into parked cars in Bearwood Road, Smethwick, where he abandoned his car and made a run for it.
He was quickly detained but his passenger escaped. The pursuit began after the defendant ignored request to pull over from police conducting routine vehicle checks on passing traffic around Birchfield Road, Oldbury, the court heard.
Deen reached 77mph in a 30 limit along Norman Road and scattered vehicles while going the wrong way round a busy traffic island near Beakes Road.
Mr Burn concluded: “He is very fortunate indeed that nobody came to harm as a result of this display of dangerous driving.
"There were numerous other road users in the area while it took place.
"His explanation was that he thought he might be over the alcohol limit and for that reason put his foot down.
“At the conclusion of the pursuit he was given a breath test which he passed.
“His driving documents and insurance were all in order.”
Miss Sally Cairns, defending, said Deen had not offended for 16 years.
She confirmed: “He had been drinking and feared he was over the limit. He made a very bad decision.
“He suffers from anxiety and depression, which may account for that.”
Deen, of Addenbrooke Road, Smethwick, admitted dangerous driving and was sent to prison by Judge Simon Ward, who told him: “Police were conducting standard vehicle checks. Up to that point you had been keeping to the law and would have passed a breath test.
“But you chose to drive in a truly appalling way, putting the lives of many people at risk. You have to be sent straight to prison for this.”
