'˜Lunatic' killer driver back in jail over Leeds police chase crash

A '˜lunatic' driver caused injuries to a motorist in a police chase - just months after he was released from prison for killing a cabbie in a horror smash.
Paul Pilotille.Paul Pilotille.
Paul Pilotille.

Paul Pilotille was jailed in 2012 for eight years after he caused the death of father-of-five Mohammed Yousaf while travelling at almost three times the speed limit.

A court heard how Pilotille was back committing car crime again in September last year soon after being released from prison on licence.

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Pilotille, 34, was drunk when he stole a Ford Focus from Beechwood Garage in Burley, Leeds, before being spotted behind the wheel of the vehicle by police in the Armley area of the city.

Louise Pryke, prosecuting, said Pilotille sped off, putting other road users and pedestrians in danger during a four-mile pursuit.

He drove on the wrong side of the road and reached speeds of more than 70mph on Armley Gryratory.

Pilotille almost lost control of the car on the inner ring road before heading along Kirkstall Road and through the student area of Hyde Park.

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Other drivers had to take evasive action to avoid a collision before Pilotille ploughed into a vehicle on Victoria Road. The driver suffered cuts and bruises but was not seriously injured.

Pilotille ran from the scene and became violent towards police officers who managed to detain him.

Miss Pryke said officers could smell alcohol on Pilotille but he refused to provide a breath specimen.

He was returned to prison after his arrest to serve the remainder of his sentence for causing death by dangerous driving.

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Pilotille, of no fixed address but formerly of Stanmore Grove, Burley, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

Jane Cooper, mitigating, said Pilotille had struggled to adjust after being released from prison and had received little support.

She added: “Life did not get better. Everything got worse and he found day-to-day living difficult.”

Judge Neil Clarke said the offences were aggravated by Pilotille’s “terrible” driving record but said he was limited in the sentence he could impose as the maximum sentence for dangerous driving is two years.

Imposing an 18-month sentence on Pilotille for his latest offences, the judge said it was only through good fortune that the victim on this occasion was not seriously injured.

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