A TEENAGE danger driver from Carlisle who led police on a late night pursuit along residential roads has been spared immediate custody.
Kameron Wooldridge, 19, aroused suspicions after being seen travelling over-cautiously at around 12-20am on September 30 behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Polo on Park Road in Barrow.
Despite a police officer activating blue lights and indicating for Wooldridge to stop, he accelerated, reaching 40 and then 50mph while travelling along Schneider Road and Ainslie Street.
After passing though a red light, Wooldridge’s clipped a kerb which caused a tyre to burst and then come off completely, leaving him travelling on just the wheel rim.
After stopping, he ran off but was caught after a chase and arrested. A drugs wipe tested positive cocaine but the teen refused to provide a blood sample when requested.
Wooldridge admitted dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, no insurance and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.
The court heard of the teen’s “difficult” personal circumstances, that he was “naturally apprehensive” by the prospect of prison and that his family wished to support him.
After considering mitigation, Judge Peter Davies suspended an eight-month custodial term for two years.
Wooldridge, of Acredale Road, Carlisle, must complete rehabilitation, 100 hours’ unpaid work, was banned from driving for two years and must pass an extended test.
“It is high time at the age of 19,” said Judge Davies, “that you started to grow up and started respecting people who have been looking after you.”
