A BANNED Kendal driver who hit 50mph in the town centre during a night-time police chase has been jailed.
Jordan Alan McQuinn, 22, was said to have “panicked” on Blackhall Road at around 9-25pm on June 10 when he took off from police who realised he was disqualified. As he travelled at speed on Sandes Avenue and Windermere Road, McQuinn drove on the wrong side of the road and a traffic island, and ran a red light.
Prosecutor Peter Barr said pursuing police activated blue lights, adding: “It was estimated he was driving about 50mph in the town centre.” Officers were said to have ultimately abandoned the short pursuit after concluding the risk of a crash was too great, but McQuinn was later detained.
He admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to stop for a PC, no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. At the time he was subject to a previous court community order, and on bail in relation to another matter.
“He is truly sorry,” said Sarah Magill, defending. “He shouldn’t have been driving at all.”
Jailing McQuinn, of Echo Barn Hill, Kendal, for eight months, Judge James Adkin said: “The route taken was relatively short. Nevertheless, in my view there was an obvious risk.”
McQuinn, who has never held a licence, was banned from driving for a year and ordered to pass an extended test.
