A DANGEROUS driver led police on a high speed chase before crashing his car, a court heard.

Daniel Aston, of Firbrook Avenue in Connah's Quay, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence on Thursday.

The 27-year-old had previously admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and uninsured, as well as failing to stop when required to.

On September 2 this year, just before 1am, officers were called to Broughton Shopping Centre after reports of "erratic driving" in the deserted car park.

When they arrived, they spotted Aston driving a red BMW and when an officer got out to stop him, the defendant reversed and set off at speed.

What followed was a one mile pursuit during which Aston reached speeds of almost 80mph.

At one point he went the wrong way around a large roundabout and crashed the car after turning down a narrow country lane.

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He ran off but was apprehended in a ditch and arrested.

Gary Harvey, defending, told the court: "Fortunately it was quiet on the road at that moment.

"He is very contrite about his behaviour and the [pre-sentence] report illustrates the problems he has had in his upbringing.

"Your Honour has a stark choice and he knows this - whether it has to be immediate custody or whether Your Honour feels you can draw back."

Judge Niclas Parry told the defendant: "You could have caused serious injuries, or worse.
"I do not find thar there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation in this case."

Aston was jailed for 14 months for the dangerous driving and received a driving ban of two years and seven months.

No separate penalty was imposed for the other charges.

 

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