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08
Aug
Driver admits reaching 90mph during police chase through Harrogate
A man admitted to reaching 90mph in a 30mph zone during a police pursuit through Harrogate.
Timmy James, of Hawes Road in Harrogate, pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving and two counts of drug-driving at Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday (August 7).
Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court police officers saw a BMW make an “erratic turn” on a road in Harrogate at around 9.30pm on June 7.
Officers switched on their sirens, but the driver accelerated away.
James turned at the roundabout on East Parade and was travelling at 38mph in a 30mph zone.
He accelerated at speed along Station Avenue and Knaresborough Road, driving at 60mph and 70mph in 30mph zones.
James ran several red lights and at one point in the chase recorded 90mph in a 30mph zone.
The BMW was registered to James, 39, and he was later arrested.
The defendant declined to answer any questions during a police interview.
Ms Ibbotson described the ordeal as a “prolonged period of dangerous driving” and told magistrates the police vehicle sustained what officers believe to be around £5,000 worth of damage as a result.
Drug-driving offences
A little over a week before the police pursuit, on May 26, James was stopped on Grimbald Crag Road in Knaresborough.
A roadside breath test was negative, but analysis of James’ blood later recorded 31 micrograms of cocaine per litre of blood, and 566 micrograms of benzoylecgonine – a by-product of cocaine breakdown – per litre of blood.
Andrew Tinning, defending, spoke briefly to recommend the magistrates adjourn the case for a full pre-sentence report.
Mr Tinning also said the value of the damage caused to the police car was the force's opinion and no evidence had been produced at that stage.
The dangerous driving offence was transferred to York Crown Court, where James will be sentenced on August 28.
James will be sentenced for the drug-driving offences, which can only be dealt with in a magistrates court, at Harrogate Magistrates Court on September 18.
He was banned from driving in the interim.
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