9:03am Saturday 4th September 2010
A DISQUALIFIED driver who sped away from the police put lives at risk as he ran red lights and drove on the wrong side of the road, a court heard.
But drug addict Paul Aldridge was yesterday spared jail by a judge who said there were “complex reasons” for not putting him behind bars.
The 28-year-old, of Coniston Avenue, Atherton, who Bolton Crown Court heard had a lengthy criminal record, was given a 10- month suspended sentence.
He had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance or a licence at an earlier hearing.
The court was told police spotted the father-of-one driving a Ford van, containing a female passenger, in Newbrook Road, Atherton, and shortly afterwards signalled him to stop.
Aldridge pulled over but, as an officer approached, he drove off, reaching speeds of more than 50 and 60 miles an hour in 30 and 40 mph areas and driving through two sets of red lights as he headed along busy roads, including the A6, Plodder Lane and St Helens Road.
One officer had to jump out of the way as Aldridge sped along while cars had to brake to avoid colliding with him.
Sue Carter, prosecuting, said: “Officers pulled back from the pursuit due to the manner of his driving and the fact he was heading into the town centre.”
But pedestrians told the police where the van had gone and it was quickly located, with Aldridge and his girlfriend found nearby.
Aldridge’s criminal record, which dates back to when he was a teenager, includes burglary and robbery, as well as other driving offences, which saw him disqualified and ordered to take an extended retest, which he has not done. His last prison sentence ended in May last year.
Andrew Costello, defending, told the court Aldridge was aware of the seriousness of the offences and was expecting a prison sentence.
He told the judge Aldridge’s passenger had told him she was wanted by the police when he pulled over, causing him to panic.
Other mitigation included his guilty plea and the fact he had difficulties, including a drug habit, immaturity and being unemployed.
Judge Timothy Clayson said: “This is a serious offence.”
But he said: “For complex reasons, I am giving you a suspended sentence, which is likely to be more difficult than an immediate sentence, which no doubt you could do standing on your head.
“If you do well, you can expect my support, if you throw away this chance, you can expect absolutely no sympathy.”
He was ordered to do a thinking skills programme and disqualified from driving for 18 months.
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