Yahoo News Motor menace was 'real risk to life' when he crashed BMW in high-speed race through Northumberland town
A motor menace crashed his car after taking part in a high-speed race in a built up area of a coastal town.
During the race, Daniel Thompson "presented a real risk to life" by flouting the speed limit and going the wrong way around a roundabout in Amble before smashing into some railings. The 32-year-old initially admitted that his driving was dangerous but denied he'd been racing.
However, a court ruled against him, with a District Judge saying "You were definitely racing". Thompson, formerly of Alnwick but currently of Woodfield Road, in Altrincham, has now avoided jail after he was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for one count of dangerous driving.
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District Judge Paul Currer said: "You were driving through Amble with another friend and you were racing. You were definitely racing.
"It was exceptionally dangerous. You went the wrong way around a roundabout and drove at high speed in a built-up area. You lost control of the vehicle and collided with railings.
"Had pedestrians been there, there was a real risk to life from the way you were driving. I accept you were younger and you have now taken steps to improve your life.
"You pleaded guilty but contested that you were racing. It's clear you were racing." Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard that Thompson had been behind the wheel of a Black BMW when he committed the offence on June 15 last year.
Representing himself, Thompson, who has past convictions, including for assault, said: "The incident happened 18-months-ago and where I was in my life at the time, I was in a bit of a mess. Since then, I have moved away from the behaviours I had then.
"I don't have any representation as I want to be held accountable and get this over with." Thompson was also ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work, must pay £600 costs and a £154 victim surcharge and was banned from the roads for 12 months. He must also take an extended test before he can get his licence back.
