Drug driver risked lives on A19 in 100mph police chase

Liam Ainslie was at the wheel of a Citroen C4 bearing false registration plates on the evening of July 3 last year, a fortnight after the vehicle was reported stolen from outside the owner's home in Blackhall Colliery. Durham Crown Court heard that a police patrol driver spotted the car on the false plates being driven in the opposite direction on North Road East, between Wingate and Castle Eden, shortly before 8pm. The officer turned and tried to follow the Citroen, which appeared to be some way ahead on the A181, before following a hunch that it must have been driven southbound onto the A19 at the Wellfield/Castle Eden slip road.

(Image: Durham Constabulary/Google Street View) Cole Cockburn, prosecuting, said the road was not too busy, but the Citroen was estimated to be travelling at well in excess of 100-miles per hour. Ainslie tried to go through a gap in the central reservation, separating the carriageways, but failed to negotiate the manoeuvre. The car mounted the central barrier, then shot across the path of vehicles on the northbound carriageway, before coming to rest after a crash with a lamppost and barrier on the opposite side of the road.

Mr Cockburn said although Ainslie and a passenger quickly got out of the car, they were chased on foot and both were later arrested. A drug wipe carried out on Ainslie proved positive for the presence of cocaine. The court heard his licence was found to have expired and he had no insurance to drive the Citroen, the owner of which confirmed he was not permitted to use the car.

Mr Cockburn said that was despite Ainslie's claim that he had bought the vehicle that morning, but by the time of his police interview he made no comment. The court was told the vehicle suffered extensive damage and its loss has proved difficult and expensive for the owner, the mother of three children, for whom it was the family car. Ainslie, 35, of no fixed abode, admitted charges of aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, driving other than in accordance with the licence, and without insurance at his first appearance before magistrates last month.

(Image: Durham Constabulary) The case was committed for sentence to the crown court, which was told the defendant has five convictions for 11 past offences, four of them motor-related. His most recent offence was said to be for drug driving for which he received a one-year disqualification, in October 2022. Jordan Parkinson, representing the defendant, told the court: "He concedes his driving and how he conducted himself was appalling.

"He expressed remorse to the author of his pre-sentence probation report. "He admits that at the time he was, 'off the rails', drinking alcohol and taking drugs excessively." Miss Parkinson said the defendant was diagnosed with depression and borderline PTSD, for which he is now on medication.

"He has a suspected ADHD diagnosis and since this incident, he has stopped taking drugs. "He's been staying with friends in the Hartlepool area and is supported by his partner. "So, he has taken steps to make himself a better person and has proved in the past he can go long periods between convictions.

"He is now drug and alcohol-free and he tells me the last time he took either was 22 days ago. "The Probation Service believes he can be managed in the community and he's willing to comply with any orders of the court." (Image: The Northern Echo) Judge Richard Bennett said, having seen dashcam footage from the pursuing police vehicle, the defendant's driving was, "so appalling" on the A19, that evening.

"You were travelling at a grossly excessive speed, of 110mph or above, and you tried to turn off by driving through a gap in the central reservation. "Unsurprisingly, you lost control and went over that central reservation, narrowly missing a van travelling in the opposite direction. "You were literally feet from hitting that van and the consequences, I'm satisfied, could have been a catastrophic collision and possibly a fatality.

"You then crashed with a crash barrier and ran off. "You risked the lives of others, other road users, your passenger, and yourself, through your selfishness. "I have considered whether the sentence could be suspended, but given the appalling nature of your driving and the danger you posed to others, I'm satisfied only an immediate custodial sentence should apply in this case."

Police stopped danger driver from County Durham on the M62 in Yorkshire[2] County Durham dangerous driver had to be 'boxed in' by police on A19[3] Man arrested after 'hit and run' on A19 near Sunderland[4]

Imposing a 12-month prison sentence, the judge said it would have been 18 months if the defendant took the case to trial.

He also banned Ainslie from driving for 16 months and said he must sit an extended re-test if he is lawfully allowed to drive once the ban expires.

Ainslie was also ordered to pay the car owner GBP500 compensation, to be deducted from his benefits on his release from prison.

References

1. ^ clicking here (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)
2. ^ Police stopped danger driver from County Durham on the M62 in Yorkshire (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)
3. ^ County Durham dangerous driver had to be 'boxed in' by police on A19 (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)
4. ^ Man arrested after 'hit and run' on A19 near Sunderland (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)