Drugged-up learner driver reached speeds of 87mph during police chase

A drugged-up learner driver reached speeds of 87mph in residential zones nearly smashing into parked cars and a pedestrian.

Callum McKie, 27, was involved in a police chase in Hartlepool on the evening of January 13. Teesside Crown Court heard McKie was behind the wheel of a black Ford Mondeo despite having an expired provisional license and no insurance.

The warehouse operative was also under the influence of cannabis when police began to pursue him at around 8.40pm. Police chase footage was played in court with Judge Jonathan Carroll branding McKie's driving as "appalling".

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Prosecutor Cainan Lonsdale said the highest speed police clocked was 87mph. Summarising the footage, he said: "At one point the defendant approached a T-junction which has a stop sign displayed. The defendant crossed it without slowing down or showing any hesitation.

"The officers note that the area is a residential area. The defendant is noted travelling along Stockton Road very narrowly missing a collision with some park vehicles as he momentarily loses control of the vehicle."

The court heard there was another near crash on both Southburn Terrace and Borrowdale Street junction, Mr Lonsdale said: "On St Aidans a pedestrian was getting into his own vehicle when he had to tuck himself behind his car door to avoid being hit."

The defendant was chased by police before being pursued on foot. The court heard he jumped over a garden fence on Norfolk Close and was detained by officers. Police checks revealed the defendant had an expired provisional licence and was also wanted for other matters.

Mr Lonsdale said the Hartlepool defendant tested positive for cannabis in a roadside drug test and later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving under the influence of a controlled drug, namely cannabis, driving without insurance and driving a vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

McKie has 18 convictions for 26 offences which include drug driving. In mitigation, Martin Scarborough asked for credit for his pleas and said the defendant is supported by his family.

He said: "He's supported today by his partner who he shares a daughter. He's managed to get himself into employment in a warehouse."

The Northumberland Walk care leaver was jailed for 14 months and banned from driving for 55 months. He must take an extended driving test.

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