A Ramsgate motorist who drove so dangerously he had to be pursued by police helicopter,has been jailed for 14 months.
In the early hours of 17 October 2017 police signalled for a Vauxhall Corsa to stop in Roman Road, Ramsgate, but instead of pulling over, the car sped off, prompting a police pursuit which lasted more than half an hour.
The car was being driven by 26-year-old Sean Whitlock, and despite driving the car over police stingers, one on Margate Hill, Acol, and one in Manston Road, Manston, and bursting all four tyres, he continued to speed around Thanet, endangering other drivers.
Dangerous
His driving became so hazardous that officers were forced to stop following him by car and instead his journey was tracked by helicopter.
A dog unit was also deployed. .
He was seen driving into verges, straight through junctions without slowing down, the wrong way around roundabouts, ignoring no entry signs and driving into the pedestrianised area of Ramsgate town centre.
Officers found the car which had been abandoned in Priory Road, Ramsgate, and Whitlock was seen running away and was arrested.
On arrest Whitlock was found to have 2.6 grams of cocaine, which was estimated to have a street value of between £120 and £160.
Guilty
Whitlock, of St Benedicts Lawn, Ramsgate pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and possession of a Class A drug.
He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday 16 February to a total of 14 months in prison and disqualified from driving for two years and seven months. He must take an extended test before he is allowed back behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Investigating officer PC Kieron Lawford said: “Whitlock showed a blatant disregard for driving laws; pursuing officers witnessed him driving at speeds of 70 mph in a 30 mph zone, ignoring red traffic lights, and he was the worst driver they had ever seen.
“It is astonishing that nobody was killed by his driving that night and I hope he realises the severity of his actions.”
Read here: Man and woman arrested following police chase across Thanet