A BANNED Workington driver who led police on a high speed late night police chase in his home town has been jailed for 14 months.
Officers tried to stop Marc McIvor due to the manner of his driving and the poor condition of his Vauxhall Corsa just after midnight on June 19.
But McIvor, 31, failed to stop and instead travelled at up to double the 30mph limit while heading along Annie Pit Lane, Mossbay and Poole roads through residential areas and one red light. He twice drove on the wrong side of the carriageway and police opted to switch off blue lights due to McIvor taking no notice of them before his car – which was due to be scrapped – appeared to develop engine trouble and stopped, at which point he got out.
“He was taken to the ground by a leg sweep from one of the officers and detained,” prosecutor Gerard Rogerson told Carlisle Crown Court this afternoon (FRI).
McIvor, of Hillary Close, Salterbeck, Workington, was admitted to hospital after he spoke of swallowing a large quantity of heroin and his condition apparently deteriorated. One wrap of the class A drug and 728 diazepam tablets – all illegally held – were recovered. He later admitted dangerous driving, no insurance, possession of the two drugs and, for the seventh time in his lengthy criminal career, driving whilst disqualified.
Despite pleas by McIvor’s barrister for him to be given a chance to rehabilitate and turn his life around, Recorder Philip Grundy imposed the immediate jail term. He banned McIvor from driving for three years, and ordered him to take an extended test.
“Fortunately for you there was nobody about,” Recorder Grundy said of McIvor’s offending behind the wheel.
“You have an appalling criminal record. You are 32 tomorrow, you have 41 court appearances for 83 offences. There is a catalogue of different offences. You are an habitual criminal.”
