A disqualified driver who was to be subject of prison recall became involved in a dangerous chase with police as he wanted to say farewell to his seriously ill father, a court heard.
Carl Blower was at the wheel of Volkswagen Golf which was pursued by police on the A167 between Ferryhill and Newton Aycliffe at about 11am on Friday September 27.
Durham Crown Court heard that at one point he was travelling at 95-miles per hour, he also drove across roundabouts and used excessive speeds in built up areas of both towns.
Charlie Thompson, prosecuting, said despite traversing a police-laid stinger device, deflating his tyres, Blower still failed to stop, continuing to ignore blue lights and sirens of pursuing vehicles.
The court was told that Blower was to be recalled to prison due to breaches of his post-release licence conditions relating to drug use and a “relationship”.
He was also banned from driving and was, therefore, not insured to be on the road.
Prior to his return to jail, the defendant was said to have wanted to say “goodbye" to his terminally ill father, but when he saw police, he was said to have “panicked” and tried to outrun the force vehicles.
Mr Thompson said when he was finally brought to a halt and apprehended, the defendant refused to provide police with a specimen of blood for analysis, claiming he did not like needles.
The 36-year-old defendant of Raby Road, Ferryhill, appeared for sentence at the crown court via video link from nearby Durham Prison.
He admitted offences of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and without insurance, plus failing to provide a blood specimen for police after his arrest, all guilty pleas he tendered at the magistrates’ court the day after the incident.
Jennifer Coxon, for Blower, told the crown court sentencing hearing that he had been living with, and helping to look after his terminally ill father, who was receiving palliative care.
Miss Coxon said the defendant’s mother had health issues of her own and was also trying to look after her own mother.
"He was aware he had been licence recalled for having contact with a female.
“He saw the police and panicked and he knew he was going to be arrested.
“He was driving back to say ‘goodbye’ to his father in case he passed away while he was in custody.”
Judge Jo Kidd told Blower that during the chase, in which he reached 95mph in a 60-limit area, he, “took no responsibility or notice to the obvious risks posed to other road users."
She said he overtook other vehicles on blind bends, was recorded at 80mph on a 30-limit stretch of road while passing through built-up areas and others that were subject to road works.
"You were driving even after your tyres had been deflated after a stinger device was used.”
See more court stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here
Banned driver seen on quad bike given 'last chance'
Ferryhill motorcyclist ignored police siren on A167
Man with dog in car led police on chase around roads in Ferryhill
Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for two months for just £2, or get 30% off an annual subscription with our latest offer. Click here.
She said other aggravating features were that he was subject of disqualification at the time and when detained he refused to provide the blood sample, all against a background of facing recall to prison.
Passing a 14-month immediate prison sentence, Judge Kidd also imposed a further driving disqualification of two years and seven months on Blower.
She said upon expiry of the ban he must then sit an extended re-test should he wish to lawfully drive again.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here