A driver who led police on a 120mph-plus chase and later abandoned his car has narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence.
Callum Adamson, 21, failed to stop for two officers in a patrol car which illuminated blue lights and sounded sirens in darkness on August 10.
Adamson — first spotted on the M6 just south of junction 45 and initially suspected to be under the influence — accelerated away on the A6071 from Gretna towards Longtown.
A police driver hit 80mph and then in excess of 120mph within a national speed limit area but could not make up ground on Adamson’s Ford Fiesta.
Adamson overtook another vehicle near the Ministry of Defence site at Longtown and police ultimately lost sight of the Ford, despite reaching travelling at 90mph in a 30mph zone.
Officers went to the registered keeper’s address. Adamson was contacted by his parents but in phone communication and then in person he denied being the driver.
CCTV enquiries were conducted. “This confirmed the male (driver) was Mr Adamson,” prosecutor Diane Jackson told Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today. “This was confirmed due to his prominent tattoos.”
Adamson, of Whitchester Road, Newcastleton, later directed police to his abandoned Ford, which was found slightly blocking a road with lights illuminated and the engine still running.
He admitted dangerous driving and failing to stop for police. He had failed a roadside breath test but a later evidential sample showed he was within the legal limit.
The court heard Adamson had expressed remorse and was a hard worker who, said a defence solicitor, had learned a lot from events in August.
Adamson had a 30-week custodial sentence suspended for two years and was told by a magistrate he was very lucky to retain his liberty.
Adamson must complete 120 hours’ unpaid work, was banned from driving for 24 months and must pass an extended test before his licence is returned.
