Dangerous driver tried to shake off police pursuit in Doncaster

Morgan Anderson "panicked" because he was driving without insurance when he spotted a police car behind him on Thorne Road, Doncaster, at 9.25pm, on November 20, last year, said prosecutor Matthew Burdon.

He turned the black Vauxhall Corsa he was driving on to Adlard Street and accelerated when the police car signalled for him to stop, reaching 57mph as he tried to escape through the Wheatley Hills estate.

At one point, he lost the officer, but she managed to catch up with him on Boundary Avenue.

Anderson turned back on to Thorne Road and accelerated to speeds in excess of 80mph, driving on the wrong side of the road and overtaking, before taking a sharp left and crashing into a parked car and a house, where he was arrested.

Tim Savage, mitigating, said: “He knows it is terrible driving. He is under no illusions. He comes with his bags packed.”

He said Anderson has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism, and gave a "no comment" interview.

“It is far from being the worst or longest episode of dangerous driving your Honour has encountered,” said Mr Savage. “He said he panicked as he had no insurance. Mercifully, no one was hurt.

“He has bought the owner of the Corsa a new car, and he offered to pay for the damage he caused.”

Anderson, 21, of Grove Hill Road, Doncaster, pleaded guilty dangerous driving, on October 27.

Sheffield Crown Court heard he has a previous conviction for threatening behaviour.

On Thursday, Judge Rachael Harrison told him: “This was stupid, terrible driving. If you and I meet again, you will go to prison. If you commit any other offence you will come back before me and you will go to prison.

“What you do has consequences and the consequences today are for you.”

She sentenced him to nine months, suspended for two years, with 20 rehabilitation days, and a two month curfew, from 7pm and 5am.

He was banned for two years and must pass the extended re-test before he drives again.

Read the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court here.

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