Learner driver 'panicked' before police chase in Leeds

A teenage learner driver "panicked" before leading police on a chase through narrow residential streets in Leeds, a court heard.
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Police passed provisional licence holder Brandon Hutchinson as he drove his silver Nissan Micra along Foundry Lane in the Harehills area, Leeds Crown Court was told.

Officers started to follow Hutchinson, 19, who failed to stop and a pursuit started during the incident on June 28 2020.

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The court was shown CCTV footage of Hutchinson driving over speed bumps at more than 50mph in 30mph zones on roads including Foundry Approach and Seaforth Terrace.

The chase came to an end when the Nissan Micra spun out of control on Florence Street.

Image: GoogleThe chase came to an end when the Nissan Micra spun out of control on Florence Street.

Image: Google
The chase came to an end when the Nissan Micra spun out of control on Florence Street. Image: Google

Eleanor Durdy, prosecuting, said Hutchinson, of Eltham Rise, Leeds, reached speeds up to 62mph during the short chase.

Another driver had to stop to avoid a collision when Hutchinson made one right turn during the incident, which was captured on camera from the police car.

Miss Durdy said Hutchinson failed to give way at a major junction and at one point drove on the wrong side of the road.

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The court heard he tried to turn into a road while travelling too fast and the car spun out of control and skidded into the front of a house on Florence Street.

Hutchinson got out of the car and ran off, but was arrested by police who gave chase.

Hutchinson, who has no previous convictions, admitted dangerous driving.

A probation officer said Hutchinson had bought the car three months previously and had a driving test booked, but it had been cancelled due to Covid restrictions.

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The probation officer said: "He said he was going to get some medicine for his mother. He looks after his mother, who has a number of medical problems.

"He said he was going to a pharmacy in Harehills. He said he saw the police car behind him and panicked in the knowledge that he had not yet passed his test.

"He feels bad that he has put people in danger. He feels remorse and was quite upset when I spoke to him. He lives with his mother and looks after his mother. He is her sole carer."

The court heard Hutchinson left school at 15 and is now studying building at Park Lane College.

Recorder Giuliani sentenced Hutchinson to a 12 month community order with ten rehabilitation activity days plus 40 hours unpaid work.

He was banned from driving for 12 months.