A former soldier who sped away from police during a late night chase has been spared an immediate prison sentence.
Mark Rumney, 42, was seen by an officer driving at high speed between two terraced streets in Cleator just after 10pm on December 2.
In an orange Ford Focus, Rumney travelled in the middle of the road and accelerated towards a cyclist who was forced to take urgent evasive action to avoid a collision.
As the high speed continued, the officer’s risk assessment was elevated from medium to serious as Rumney struggled to control his vehicle. He travelled on the wrong side of the road on blind bends towards incoming traffic, prompting the PC to activate blue lights and sirens — but a pursuit ensued.
Colleagues activated a stinger device which punctured all four Focus tyres.
“Still it wouldn’t stop and carried on driving on the rims of the vehicle,” prosecutor Gerard Rogerson told Carlisle Crown Court today.
Rumney, of Aldby Place, Cleator Moor, turned into a housing estate at speed but was caught and arrested after reaching a dead end. After alcohol was detected on his breath, he failed a roadside test and was found to be approaching twice the legal limit.
Twelve cans of Foster’s and a bottle of wine were seen by police on the passenger seat of the Focus, Rumney having visited an off-licence.
He admitted dangerous driving, drink-driving, failing to stop for a PC and no insurance.
Rumney’s lawyer told the court he had used alcohol as a crutch after he struggled to cope with lockdown, but tried to have a positive impact on his family and the wider community.
Judge Nicholas Barker suspended a 12-month jail term for two years after learning of his army service and personal difficulties.
Rumney must wear an alcohol abstinence tag for 90 days, and complete rehabilitation, 180 hours’ unpaid work and a 30-month driving ban, along with an extended re-test.
“This was an appalling piece of driving,” said the judge. “You put pedestrians and other road users in serious, serious danger.”
