‘No reason’ for high speed chase

Leeds Crown Court heard that officers decided to stop a Toyota Yaris for a check after seeing it in Wakefield Road on December 2 last year but it sped away from them ignoring their blue lights.

The driver, Mohammed Akel, 45, of Moorlands Terrace, Dewsbury,turned into Old Bank Road reaching 50mph in the 30 mile limit.

After ignoring a no entry sign he rejoined Wakefield Road forcing another vehicle to get out of the way, prosecutor Christopher Jackson said.

Akel went through a red traffic light on Dewsbury Road and drove on the wrong side of the dual carriageway for 300 yards before returning to the correct side of the road.

He then circled the station car park before driving on the wrong side of the road in Wellington Road, almost losing control on a bend.

The pursuit continued in Moorland Avenue, Northfield Road and Halifax Road, where he went through a give way sign without stopping, but when he reached Hartley Street the vehicle lost power and came to a halt.

Mr Jackson said Akel got out and ran off but was then chased and caught by the officers who discovered no reason for his fleeing, since his vehicle had the correct paper work and was properly insured although in the past he had previously committed driving offences.

Jeremy Hill-Baker, mitigating, said Akel had a condition which he realised he needed help for and had already lost his job as a result of his conviction. He said it was bizarre but fortunately the roads had been quiet.

Akel admitted dangerous driving and was given eight months in prison suspended for two years with 180 hours unpaid work. He was also disqualified from driving for three years.

Judge Neil Clark said Akel had a “shocking” driving record. “You should be ashamed of the way you behaved on this occasion.”

While it had not been a particularly high speed chase he had still placed others at risk. “You should have stopped for the police.”