A drink-driver who made off from police at speed before crashing a car he had taken without his partner’s permission has been given a prison sentence and a ban.
Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard two police officers were on mobile patrol at 12.30am yesterday, Monday February 16, when they saw a black Renault Megane.
Behind the wheel was banned driver Wayne Andrew McDonald, 32.
Officers turned to follow the Megane after seeing it heading in the opposite direction at speed.
They activated blue lights but the Megane did not stop.
As it approached a junction with Cumwhinton Road, McDonald failed to give way and lost control before colliding with a bollard.
McDonald fled into a nearby field but was quickly caught, detained and found to be more than two-and-a-half times the legal drink-drive limit.
In court, McDonald, of Harris Crescent, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified; aggravated taking of the Megane, which was damaged; drink-driving; and no insurance.
The court heard McDonald had been recalled to prison to serve the balance of a previously imposed sentence.
Among the offences on his record were a drug-driving crime dating back to 2016; and drink-driving convictions in 2018 and 2023.
District judge Philip Holden heard McDonald was now set to be released from custody in August this year.
Imposing a 10-month prison sentence for the latest offences, the judge told him that it would be served concurrently — alongside his current term.
By law, said the judge, he was unable to impose a consecutive sentence.
McDonald must serve a four-year driving ban when released from custody, and has to pass an extended retest before his licence is returned.
