Dangerous driver crashes after hurtling away from police
Disaster struck when a banned driver suddenly lost control of his car and crashed minutes after hurtling away from police at high speed and leading them on a hair-raising chase through the streets.
Matthew Prestwood later confessed that his "head was just all over the place" at the time that he put his "foot down". His car was so badly damaged in the dramatic crash that it was later a write-off, Hull Crown Court heard.
Prestwood, 33, of New George Street, off Wincolmlee, Hull, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and having no insurance on July 9.
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Hannah Turner, prosecuting, said that police spotted a blue Vauxhall Corsa VXR being driven at high speed on wet roads at 10.45pm. They tried to follow it in Selby Street, Hull, and caught up with it when Prestwood was doing 60mph in a 30mph limit.
Police activated their flashing blue lights in an attempt to stop Prestwood. "In response to that, the defendant increased his speed continuing eastbound," said Miss Turner. He accelerated harshly and took a sharp turn into Saner Street, where there were speed bumps and parked vehicles. Police had difficulty keeping up with the Corsa because of Prestwood's speed.
The chase continued towards Boulevard, where Prestwood pulled away, travelling at about 60mph. He took a dangerous turn into Selby Street and turned onto Doncaster Street, where the car went on the wrong side of the road after passing other vehicles and doing 70mph in 30mph limits.
The car crashed in Woodcock Street and Prestwood abandoned it on the wrong side of the road. He got out and made off but turned back again after a couple of seconds and put his hands up and allowed the police to detain him.
There was serious damage to the front door and bumper of the car. A metal barrier also came out because of the force of the collision. The vehicle was seized.
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When he was asked during police interview why he drove dangerously, he said: "I was a banned driver. Just taking off. Simple as."
Prestwood had convictions for 18 previous offences, including aggravated vehicle taking when he was a youth. He had been banned from driving for 16 months in April for drug-driving.
Prestwood told the court that the car was written off after the crash. "I have pulled myself together," he said. "At the time, my head was just all over the place. I just put my foot down. I know I should not have done it." He said that he was working and he would lose his job and his flat if he were jailed.
Prestwood, formerly of Bothwell Grove, east Hull, was given a one-year suspended prison sentence, 200 hours' unpaid work, 15 days' rehabilitation and a probation service Thinking Skills programme. He was banned from driving for two years and he must pass an extended retest before he can drive legally again.
Judge Alexander Menary warned Prestwood not to "swing the lead" or he could face being jailed. "If you and I meet again and you come back through that door, you will go straight to prison," said Judge Menary.
"This will be your only chance. You know what will happen if you come back to court. You and I don't want to meet again as a result of that."