A learner driver led police on a 70mph car chase – as he headed to the test centre. Mitchell Gough, 24, “panicked” and sped away after his BMW was pulled over shortly before his driving test. The plant fitter raced around the streets with police in pursuit for eight minutes before he crashed, a court heard. Gough’s lawyer, Graham Wallis, said: “He was very anxious to take his test. When he was stopped he made a decision which was totally out of character – it is baffling that he behaved this way.” He said his client made the “foolish” decision to drive to his test alone on April 11 because his mum’s car had broken down and she could not pick him up for a lift. On the way, he was spotted by police looking for a stolen BMW, Gloucester crown court heard. When they scanned his number plates, they found they belonged to Gough’s father’s Fiat. No reason was given for the change of plates. Dad-of-one Gough stopped when signalled, but he raced off when an officer told him to open the door. He jumped red lights, sped at 70mph in 30mph zones and drove on the wrong side of the road before he finally hit a parked car. He jumped out and fled but was quickly caught. Gough, of Quedgeley, Gloucester, admitted dangerous driving, failing to stop and related charges. Judge Jamie Tabor QC gave him a six-month suspended jail sentence and told him the way he drove was “highly dangerous to others”. He added: “This was an idiotic decision.” Gough also got a 30-month road ban and a £1,400 fines and costs bill.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:30:59 +0000
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