Banned driver tore through narrow streets of Hucknall housing estate at 60mph pursued by police
A banned driver who tore through the narrow streets of a Hucknall housing estate at 60mph pursued by police put "other people's families at grave risk of tragedy," a court heard.
Nathan Anthony nearly lost control and hit another vehicle when he skidded at a junction during the chase through the Ruffs estate where the speed limit is 20mph, said Katie Hardman, prosecuting.
He continued over speed bumps, through red lights without slowing, and drove on the wrong side of the road before entering a cul-de-sac.
Anthony, aged 37, ran off, jumped over a fence and was found hiding behind a bin in possession of cannabis.
The pursuit began when police found him after he allegedly failed to stop at 9.50pm on September 16.
Nottingham Crown Court heard he received an eight-week suspended sentence and was banned from driving for 37 months on June 2. He has 37 previous convictions for 96 offences, including 31 driving matters.
Philip Plant, mitigating, said Anthony "panicked" when the police began following him, but deserved credit for his pleas.
He said Anthony runs his own successful recycling business and “is not someone who is just offending and being a drain on society.”
“He is perhaps a man who is begining to grow up and realising that this life of going in and out of prison is not a life he should be leading,” he said.
But the court heard he has breached "most, if not all, of the community orders and suspended sentences imposed on him in the past."
Recorder Ruth Coffey asked what had changed because Anthony has failed to comply with any previous orders.
“He must understand that he came at great risk of putting other people's families at grave risk of tragedy,” she said.
“Other peoples' lives are at risk when you drive like this and you are extremely fortunate no one was injured.”
Anthony, of Marton Road, Bulwell, admitted dangerous driving, driving without insurance and while disqualified, and possession of a class B drug when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court, on September 18.
The eight-week suspended sentence was activated but the time he has already served means he will soon be released. He received a further nine-month sentence, again suspended for two years, with a probation requirement and 100 hours of unpaid work.