Drug driver avoids prison after eight-mile police chase through Cannock

Michael Pitts had no licence or insurance when he reached double the speed limit, drove on the wrong side of the road and skipped red lights during the police chase in Cannock.

The 24-year-old from Walsall sped off after being spotted by police in Norton Canes on November 12 last year.

Officers had signalled for him to pull over after discovering the white Citroen van was not insured when they spotted it on the A5 Watling Street heading towards Churchbridge at about 2.30pm.

However, he failed to stop and instead drove on at speed for about eight miles through Cannock, overtaking a number of vehicles in a reckless manner, a hearing at Stafford Crown Court was told.

Officers spotted something being thrown out of the van at the junction of Stagborough Way and the A460 East Cannock Road and thought the device was a mobile phone. But when it was later recovered it was found to be a disguised Taser.

Pitts mounted the central reservation at Hilltop Island and continued along the opposite carriageway, travelling the wrong way around a mini-island and ignoring a keep-left sign.

The pursuit continued along Hill Street, past a group of schoolchildren, with the van travelling the incorrect way at an island at the junction of Hayes Way.

At that point Pitts was travelling at 70mph in a 30 zone, the court heard. He continued along the A460, through a red traffic light before stopping. Officers then detained Pitts, who tested positive for cannabis at the road side.

He was subsequently charged with dangerous driving, drug driving, possession of a Taser, driving without insurance and without a driving licence.

Pitts admitted the offences at a previous hearing and was sentenced on Wednesday.

He was given a six month jail term, suspended for 15 months.

He was also banned from driving for 15 months. He must carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and attend 30 rehabilitation activity days.

The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the weapon and the confiscation of the van.

In addition Pitts, of St Matthews Close, Caldmore, Walsall, was ordered to pay costs £150.

After the sentencing Pc Thomas Cordall, of Staffordshire Police’s Road Policing Unit, said: "Pitts is clearly a dangerous and reckless driver who put many people at risk on 12 November when he decided to lead officers on a pursuit through Cannock.

"I am thankful that we were able to apprehend Pitts when we did, particularly after he passed a number of schoolchildren.

"It is a relief that Pitts did not cause serious injury or worse to other road users and pedestrians that afternoon. I am glad that he will be off our roads for a significant period of time."