Dangerous Preston car chase leads to jail term for dad-to-be who has never passed his test

Banned motorist Jonathan Crook - who has never passed a test - appeared to pull over for police in Preston after they became suspicious the car, registered in Liverpool, was doing 'laps' around Plungington.

However, the 26-year-old quickly pulled away again and led them on a dangerous two minute chase.Prosecuting, Peter Barr said he sped through busy and narrow streets, including 20mph areas around St Paul's Road, and caused some pedestrians to jump out of his way,

Preston Crown Court was told the pursuit ended when Crook, of Edleston Street, Accrington, pulled into Cambridge Close - a cul de sac - and got out of the green Perodua Kenari with his hands up.

On being searched he was found in possession of a knife.

He admitted dangerous driving, while disqualified and uninsured, and possessing a blade.

Banning him for a further three years and five months, Judge David Potter said: "It was a stupid and crazy decision on your part, and what followed over the next couple of minutes was a period of extremely bad and dangerous driving.

"You drove at great speed through populated streets.

"You were paying not the slightest regard to the welfare and safety of yourself, of other road users and importantly in my judgement the occupants of the car."

He told Crook his history of driving offences was a serious aggravating feature, and warned him he had to mature and be a supportive father to his unborn child.

Defending, Julie Taylor, told the court despite Crook's driving convictions he had started a business buying and selling cars.

She added: " Normally the system would be he'd find a car for reasonable price, arrange a recovery truck and perhaps make £100 but on this day the recovery truck let him down and he took the rather stupid decision to try and drive the car himself - one that he bitterly regrets - and he's very sorry."