Drunk driver terrified motorists in Leeds with fake gun, caused three crashes, left cyclist with life-changing injuries and threatened to torture and kill his aunt
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Lee McGann caused terror on the Ring Road in Leeds before endangering lives as he collided with vehicles as he tried to get away from the police.
Leeds Crown Court heard McGann struck a cyclist head-on, causing him life-changing injuries which means he is no longer able to work as a pilot.
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Hide AdAt the time of the incident McGann was under investigation after being arrested for threatening to torture and kill his aunt.
The driving offences took place on June 20 this year.
Louise Pryke, prosecuting, said McGann drove a silver Jeep on the Ring Road at Adel and played loud rock music to attract the attention of other motorists.
McGann drove alongside a woman and she slowed down to try to avoid him.
Ms Pryke said the defendant also slowed down and drove alongside her at 10mph.
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Hide AdHe then pointed what appeared to be a hand gun at her from out of his window.
McGann stopped beside another car at traffic lights.
He took out the weapon and kissed it as he looked towards the male driver.
The driver was frightened and called police.
Armed officers and the West Yorkshire Police helicopter were deployed.
McGann drove at such dangerous speeds along residential streets that officers abandoned the pursuit and he was observed from the helicopter.
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Hide AdMs Pryke said McGann collided with a car in which a 14-month-old girl was travelling with her father.
The car was damaged but the toddler was not injured.
McGann then drove into the back of a van containing two men.
The men suffered cuts and bruises but were not seriously injured.
A French bulldog was also thrown out of the window during the collision but was later found safe.
McGann struck a cyclist head-on on King Lane, Alwoodley.
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Hide AdThe prosecutor said the cyclist was thrown into a garden and suffered serious injuries.
Injuries included damage to ligaments in his knees. The victim required surgery and months of physiotherapy.
Ms Pryke said the cyclist is a commercial pilot but had lost his licence on medical grounds due to his injuries and has been unable to work.
McGann collided with another car which had to be written off.
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Hide AdThe defendant was arrested after that collision and was found to be three times the drink-drive limit.
A ball baring gun was recovered from the front passenger seat.
More weapons and combat gear were found when his home was searched.
When interviewed about the incident McGann said he had black outs and was an alcoholic.
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Hide AdMs Pryke said that offence took place when he was due to come out of a rehab centre and was planning to return home.
The court heard McGann lived with his aunt in a property which belonged to his mother.
McGann made sinister threats towards his aunt after being told he could not bring his girlfriend with him to live at the property.
The defendant phoned a man who worked for his family's business and said: "I will string her up by her hair and carve bits off her.
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Hide Ad"I will torture her, then revive her, then torture her again."
The man became worried for McGann's aunt's safety and told her about the threats.
He then went to her home and found weapons which McGann had ordered on Amazon.
They included axes, a catapult, balaclavas, fold-up army shovels and ball bearings.
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Hide AdWhen McGann was interviewed by police he claimed he had ordered the items in preparation for the coronavirus outbreak as he feared people would be fighting.
He also claimed he had bought the catapult for catching squirrels and had ordered the balaclavas because he was planning to go skiing.
McGann, 41, of Fieldmore Lodge, Pudsey, pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, dangerous driving and making a threat to kill.
Martin Morrow, mitigating, said: "He is deeply sorry for what he has done and what he has put those people through.
"He has deep-seated difficulties with alcohol."
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Hide AdMr Morrow said McGann accepted he has a problem with alcohol and is receiving help to tackle his addiction.
McGann was given an extended prison sentence of eight years and nine months after Judge Robin Mairs said he considered him to pose a significant danger to the public.
He said: "You showed a complete and callous disregard for the safety and the lives of others.
"You were three times over the alcohol limit.
"This was the most egregious piece of drive of driving I have seen.
"You could easily have caused six fatalities that day."