A TEENAGE drug-driver who led police on a high speed chase has been spared jail.

Elliott Gibson, of Pen y Bryn in Wrexham, appeared for sentence at Mold Crown Court on Thursday.

The 19-year-old had admitted several offences at a previous hearing, including; dangerous driving, failing to stop when required to by police, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, having no insurance and possessing a class B drug.

Alexandra Carrier, prosecuting, said on the night of March 8 this year, when the defendant was only 18, officers on patrol spotted a Fiat Punto at the Nag's Head near Pulford.

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Gibson was the driver and, concerned that he was intoxicated, the police made to stop the vehicle.

But Gibson set off at speed - starting a ten minute police chase over two miles in length.

The Leader: Mold Crown CourtMold Crown Court (Image: Staff)

At some points he was doing up to 70 miles per hour on single track roads, and in excess of 60 miles per hour in a residential 30 zone.

He also turned off his headlights and failed to stop at a give way.

At one point, the vehicle stopped briefly and Gibson's passenger ran.

Gibson then tried to drive off at speed again, but crashed moments later.

He tested positive for cannabis and a small amount of the substance was found in his possession.

When he was interviewed by police at Llay, he made full admissions, the court heard.

Henry Hills, defending, said: "He entered guilty pleas at the earliest opportunity and the pre-sentence report is particularly positive about him.

"Notwithstanding the offending behaviour he has engaged in, genuine remorse is identified.

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"He has a good level of understanding of the potential impact of his behaviour on others."

Judge Nicola Saffman said: "You could have caused serious injury or even a fatality as a result of that night."

The Judge handed down a 16 month sentence at a young offenders institute, but suspended it for 18 months.

Gibson must undertake a 15 day addictive behaviour activity requirement, a thinking skills programme and 200 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay £420 costs, a £156 victim surcharge and was banned from driving for two years.

 

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