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09
Oct
Dangerous driver who led police on car chase from Harrogate avoids jail
A man who drove from Harrogate to the outskirts of Leeds in just eight minutes – all without holding a valid driving licence – has avoided jail.
Cameron Bradley, of Loch Trool Way in Bathgate, Scotland, was sentenced at York Crown Court today (October 9) after previously admitting five offences: dangerous driving, driving without a licence, failing to stop for police, driving without insurance and drug-driving.
North Yorkshire Police officers tried to stop Bradley on Leeds Road in Harrogate shortly before 11pm on March 4 this year, but he fled.
A high-speed chase ensued and police officers followed Bradley’s Ford Focus along the A61 towards Leeds, despite what police described as “numerous instances of dangerous driving manoeuvres”.
Bradley, 24, reached The Grammar School at Leeds in the Alwoodley area in just eight minutes before colliding with a kerb outside the school.
North Yorkshire Police footage of the pursuit can be watched below.
Bradley ran away from the scene, but a police air support unit was already overhead to guide officers to make the arrest.
After Bradley was arrested, a roadside drugs swipe was carried out, which revealed he was over the limit for cocaine.
Police also established Bradley only held a provisional licence and did not have any insurance, nor did his Ford Focus have a valid MOT certificate.
He admitted the dangerous driving and drug-driving offences during a police interview.
Bradley was today handed a ten-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months.
He was also banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.
Bradley's manner of driving was 'extremely dangerous'
Investigating and pursuing officer, traffic constable Gary Dukes at North Yorkshire Police, said:
Bradley's shocking manner of driving was extremely dangerous, putting members of the public and himself at great risk of serious injury or worse.
North Yorkshire Police will not tolerate such appalling, life-threatening driving and it is right that he has been taken off the roads.
Road safety is a key priority for the force and we'll continue to be relentless in our approach against anyone who puts the safety of members of the public at risk.
Anyone who thinks they can evade arrest by driving dangerously needs to think again. We will use all our powers to remove you from the roads including the deployment of our highly-skilled pursuit-trained officers.
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