[A] BANNED driver who hit 70mph through villages during a police chase along icy rural roads around Ullswater been spared immediate prison.
An officer in a marked vehicle with blue lights illuminated was advised to abort his pursuit of Shaun Paul Felton on safety grounds during the early hours of January 7. Felton, 31, had been seen performing a handbrake turn while driving at speed over several miles between Askham and Watermillock.
Police later caught up with him after he had abandoned his Ford Fiesta at a farm. He was said to have “panicked” when he saw police due to being disqualified.
Felton, of Friars Road, Penrith, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court and admitted dangerous driving, banned driving, no insurance and having one “bald” tyre.
Judge James Adkin suspended a nine-month jail term for a year. Felton must complete a three-month night-time weekend curfew, 150 hours’ unpaid work and rehabilitation. He was banned from driving for two years and must sit an extended re-test.
“It is only good fortune you didn’t hit anybody else,” said Judge Adkin. “The risk of harm was significant.”
