Yahoo News Dangerous Newcastle driver banned from roads after smashing into back of woman's vehicle
A dangerous driver who smashed into the back of a woman's car has been banned from the roads.
Paul Shaw was spotted by a police officer driving an Audi TT aggressively at speed at Colbalt in North Tyneside. However the 27-year-old, who was travelling in the opposite direction, was soon out of sight and the officer was unable to follow him.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how Shaw realised far too late that he was going to come up against cars in several lanes and struck the rear of a woman's vehicle. The force of the impact left her with whiplash and ligament or muscle damage.
Ian Cook, prosecuting, told the court how the collision occurred on September 16, 2022. He said: "When questioned about the manner of driving, the defendant replied: 'Nobody f***ing died, did they?'
The court in Newcastle heard how Shaw was under the influence of alcohol at the time but not to the extent where he was over the prescribed limit.
Shaw, of Clarence Street, Seaton Sluice, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.
Vic Laffey, defending, said Shaw has expressed remorse and indicated that he was shocked and disgusted by his actions.
He told the court that he had lost his employment as a result of the conviction as the job requires him to have a driving licence. He said: "He's now in a situation where he's trying to find work."
Judge Tim Gittins told Shaw that the consequences could have been worse and he was fortunate not to facing a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving or death by dangerous driving.
The judge sentenced him to seven months in prison suspended for 18 months and disqualified him from driving for 18 months. He also ordered him to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, abide by a curfew for five months.
Shaw must sit an extended driving test before he will be allowed back on the roads.
