Morecambe driver almost struck police officer as he fled to avoid breath test

A bungling motorist whose short lived police chase ended in him driving through bollards and into a tree has been jailed for eight months.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

John Reid, 31, of Bartholomew Road, Morecambe, embarked on a pursuit after officers had spotted him in an uninsured car on Hayfell Avenue in Morecambe, talking on his mobile phone.

He was banned at the time.

Prosecuting Charlie Brown said: "They approached the car and the defendant was in the driver's seat and on the phone. There was a little bit of conversation and he was asked when he bought it, he said: 'Today'.

Crown CourtCrown Court
Crown Court
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The court heard Reid's speech was slurred due to a brain injury six years previously.

Due to this the police suspected he had had alcohol and wanted to do a breath test, but he drove off.

Mr Brown said: "He was parked on the forecourt of a property. He reversed in what's described as a snaking motion, at one point straight towards the female officer who had to jump out of the way.

"I'm not suggesting he did that deliberately but it still put the officer in danger.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The vehicle then drove away, despite the officers running after it."

Reid turned into Grayrigg Drive and Altham Road and on Hampsfell Drive the pursuing officers saw the Ford Focus stopped at a set of bollards which separated the road from a cycle track.

As they got out he drove it through the bollards, across the cycle path, and bashed into a tree.

He made no comment in interview and his breath test was negative.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, and driving while disqualified, uninsured

Judge Beverly Lunt imposed a 12 month ban with an extended retest.

The Lancashire Post is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. For unlimited access to Lancashire news and information online, you can subscribe here.