[A] LAKE District danger driver was told he could be jailed by a judge who described his criminal conduct behind the wheel as “appalling”.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how Luke David Stoker was involved in a high speed pursuit with a police officer who gave chase after realising he was banned.
With blue lights flashing on the A592 between Kirkstone Pass and Troutbeck, the PC clocked 85mph along narrow, winding roads with dry stone walls on either side as he sought to catch up. Stoker, 21, was also seen to reach 70mph in a 30mph zone before giving himself up.
He conceded in interview his driving had been “idiotic” and “far beyond reckless”. He admitted dangerous driving, disqualified driving, no insurance and failing to stop for a PC, and was due to have been sentenced today (FRI).
However, Judge Barbara Forrester put his punishment on ice after concluding she needed more details about Stoker’s driving record, his own background and the history of the car.
She will pass sentence on July 27, and granted bail to Stoker, of Windermere Road, Kendal, until then. “Your driving that day was appalling,” said Judge Forrester, who spoke of being “horrified” by the footage.
The judge told Stoker, of Windermere Road, Kendal: “I am not promising I won’t send you to prison. It is part of your job now to persuade me not to.”
