Preston car thief's 70mph rural pursuit through Samlesbury ends in crash

A car thief who led police on a high speed chase in a stolen car has been jailed for a year - and recalled to prison to serve a previous jail sentence.
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Sessions House

The pursuit was brought to an end when Ryan Sullivan, 26, of Fairoak Close, Preston smashed into a farmhouse building.

He was arrested moments after being spotted running towards a cowshed and into a field, Preston’s Session House was told.

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Prosecuting, Lisa Worsley said the incident started in rush hour and in road works on Preston New Road, Samlesbury, on June 21 when an officer spotted the stolen car trying to hide in a traffic jam.

She added: “ A burglary had occurred on Miller Road, Preston, in which a black Astra car was stolen. Officers had been informed and were searching for it.

“He approached the vehicle and as he did so it set off up the pavement. The Astra found a gap in the traffic and turned around onto the main road, where the car was driving at around 55mph.”

Sullivan then turned onto Nabs Head Lane - a rural lane - reaching speeds of up to 70mph, and overtaking cars approaching sharp bends.

The chase went on for around two miles onto Alumscar Lane.

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She said: “ “The Astra went out of sight but as the officer went around the bend he was met by cloud of dust. The car had hit the wall of a farmhouse whilst turning into the driveway.”

Sullivan was found in a field. At the time he was on licence from prison.

He admitted aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving and driving without insurance or a licence.

Judge Simon Newell ordered a five year ban and extended retest on top of a two month jail term and his prison recall.

He said: “This is your third vehicle taking since the age of 13.”