'You have learnt nothing': Drug driver jailed over dangerous police chase while he was more than double the limit for cannabis

A judge told Shaun Burton he was locking him up because he had shown no remorse and little understanding of how dangerous his offending was.

Leeds Crown Court heard officers followed Burton's Vauxhall Astra after he failed to give way at a junction on Monkhill Lane, Pontefract on April 6 this year.

Christopher Smith, prosecuting, said officers switched on blue lights and sirens but Burton refused to stop.

He drove at 70mph in a 20mph area on Monkhill Avenue.

The pursuit continued on to Skinner Lane and Headlands Lane before the defendant turned into a Tesco car park where he was stopped and arrested.

Burton was taken to a police station where he was tested for cannabis and found to be more than double the legal limit for driving.

Burton, of Park Avenue, Castleford, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs.

Probation officer Mick Berry said Burton had "expressed some concerning views" when he was interviewed about his offending.

Mr Berry said: "He failed to provide much of an explanation for his actions.

"He is unable to say why he did what he did other than he was being stupid."

Mr Berry said Burton had tried to "downplay" the seriousness of his offending. He added: "He said he did not believe this warranted going to prison for."

Burton was jailed for seven months and banned from driving for 21 months.

Judge Christopher Batty said: "Mr Khan has done his best on your behalf.

"He says you think you have learnt your lesson.

"But from Mr Berry's report you have learned nothing.

"You have no remorse.

"The problem is you are a habitual cannabis user and you like driving your car when you have had cannabis and that is a dangerous combination.

"When you then drive away from the police in your car at twice the speed limit that is really dangerous and it cannot be tolerated."