Driver jailed after running red lights during police chase

Richard Price, 32, had been driving erratically on Newcastle Road, Sunderland, at 1.10am on August 10 last year while on bail for another offence when police spotted him at a set of traffic lights.

Claire Anderson, prosecuting told Newcastle Crown Court: “The police officer in the car noticed he was attempting to conceal his face and began tailing the car. He said that the car was driving in excess of the 30mph speed limit and the brake lights were flashing erratically.

“The car then drove over the Wearmouth Bridge at speeds of up to 50mph and failed to stop at red lights.

“Overall, the chase lasted for about 10 minutes over a course of seven miles.”

The court heard the officer then turned on his lights and requested back up but Price managed to get away by driving off-road.

A police helicopter had been called and he was found hiding in a garden in Downhill.

Price, of Eglinton Street, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance at a previous hearing.

Jamie Adams, defending, said Price, who has six previous driving convictions, had been suffering from drug problems and had owed a lot of money to local dealers.

Judge John Milford QC sentenced him to 21 months in prison.

He said: “Dangerous driving such as this shocks the public, and you must face the consequences for what you did.”

Price was also disqualified from driving for three years.