Cambridge News reports that David Holland went through great lengths just to Evade Police as he was being chased down for Dangerous Driving around Soham, a small town in the English county of Cambridge.
The 24-year-old drove his BMW at twice the speed limit with his partner and 3-year-old child inside the car. He sped off down the tracks and squeezed the vehicle between a tree and a fence, causing damage just to flee the police.
Holland even mounted a pavement where a dog walker was forced to pick up her dog and lean against the fence to avoid being hit by the vehicle.
Prosecuting attorney Sally Hickling said that Holland went on a footpath so that police couldn’t follow him. He abandoned his car at the opposite side of the town.
When the police arrived at his house, Holland admitted to his Dangerous Driving, which he was previously accused of when he failed to stop when asked by a constable. He also drove without insurance and a valid test certificate last June.
Holland, who apparently has an untarnished driving licence, has three prior convictions for four undisclosed offenses.
Judge Stuart Bridge said in the final ruling, "This was not only a ridiculous and stupid course of conduct of being pursued, but it was also very dangerous."
Holland was jailed for 24 weeks and was given a one-year driving ban.
Queenslanders charged with DUI Drink Driving, Drug Driving or Fail To Provide Specimen face a maximum penalty of a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, 9 months imprisonment and 28 penalty units.
Persons charged with Careless Driving (Drive Without Due Care & Attention) face a maximum penalty of a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, 6 months imprisonment and 40 penalty units.
Queenslanders charged with Dangerous Driving, which is a Criminal offence, face a maximum penalty, depending upon the circumstances of aggravation, of 5 years imprisonment, 200 penalty units and a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification.
Persons charged with Disqualified Driving face a maximum penalty of a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, 12 months imprisonment and 40 penalty units.
Queenslanders charged with Evade Police a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment, 200 penalty units and a lifetime licence disqualification.
Persons charged with Repeat DUI Drink Driving, Repeat Drug Driving, Repeat Fail To Provide Specimen, or a Repeat combination of these offences, face a maximum penalty of a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, 18 months imprisonment and 60 penalty units.
A penalty unit in Queensland is currently worth $113.85.
In addition to the above penalties, anyone who pleads or is found guilty in the Magistrates Court must pay the Offender Levy, which is presently worth $110.90.
Magistrates have a general power to impose up to a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, above and beyond any legislated disqualification ranges.
Wiseman Lawyers specialise in DUI Drink Driving, Drug Driving, Careless & Dangerous Driving, Evade Police and Drug, Alcohol & Traffic offences.