A Carlisle man who hit 74mph during a high speed night time police pursuit around residential Carlisle roads, before crashing, has been spared immediate prison.
Mark McCracken, 56, came to the attention of an officer on mobile patrol at around 9-30pm on 25th May this year. He was driving a black Volkswagen Golf with no lights illuminated, and was pulled over.
After the officer asked him to turn off the ignition, McCracken accelerated away and a 90-second pursuit ensued around the Belle Vue area on roads which included Moor Park Avenue and Moorhouse Road.
McCracken’s vehicle was clocked at 74mph and then 56mph in a 30mph zone. He pulled out of junctions without checking the coast was clear, and travelled on the wrong side of the road before crashing.
After he got out of the car and ran off, police followed and he was restrained although he resisted and was Tasered.
McCracken admitted one offence of dangerous driving and was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court this afternoon (fri). There were 93 crimes on his criminal record, his last motoring offence being careless driving in 2011.
“Thankfully the roads were mercifully quiet at that time. No-one was injured,” said barrister Holly Nelson, mitigating. “He is frankly ashamed of his actions that night.”
McCracken had been working as an HGV driver but now faced being out of work. He had a partner and several children, one of whom he was a main carer for.
“He expresses, through me, his sincere remorse for his conduct,” added Ms Nelson.
Recorder Julian Shaw imposed a 15-month jail term which he suspended for two years. McCracken, of Ullswater Road, Carlisle, must complete 150 hours’ unpaid work and a 14-month driving ban. He must also pass an extended re-test before getting back behind the wheel.
