Ford Fiesta driver 'lucky' nobody died after ploughing through Leeds garden hedge in high-speed chase
A teenage driver who tried to outrun police lost control and ploughed through a garden hedge was told he was lucky that nobody was killed or seriously injured.
Elliott Niland reached speeds of 80mph in 30mph built-up areas in Moortown, Leeds Crown Court heard.
Police first spotted the black Ford Fiesta travelling the wrong way around a roundabout at around 2.50am on November 18 last year.
Officers then lost him but he was spotted again at around 4.40am. Reaching high speeds, he went through red lights and even drove into oncoming cars on a dual carriageway during the pursuit.
The 19-year-old then tried to make a sharp turn on Lingfield Drive in Moortown and went through the garden hedge.
He got out and ran but police caught up with him minutes later. He claimed he was only the passenger, but had the keys to the Fiesta.
Niland, of Wold View, Fridaythorpe, East Yorkshire later admitted dangerous driving.
He has two previous convictions for four offences, including criminal damage, assaulting an emergency worker and possession of drugs.
Niland told a probation officer he had bought the Fiesta for £200 and panicked when he saw the police.
He claimed to have been assaulted that night so took off in the car.
Mitigating, Henry Fernandez said he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He said he had a “difficult and troubled journey through life”, and added there was a “significant degree of immaturity”.
The court heard Niland had moved to East Yorkshire with his mother.
Judge Simon Batiste told Niland: “The driving can only be described as truly appalling.
“You were driving at grossly-excessive speeds in built-up areas.
“It’s highly fortunate that no-one was injured or killed.
“Had you hurt anybody, the only question would have been just how long you go to prison for.”
However, he said he was “persuaded, just” that he could suspend his sentence.
He gave him 12 months, suspended for 24 months, with 20 rehabilitation days and 100 hours of unpaid work to complete.
He also put on a six-month electronic-tag curfew between 9pm and 6am.
He banned him from driving for three years and told him he must take an extended re-test.