Banned driver nearly hit dog walker during police chase in Castleford

Police chased McCabe along residential streets, including Meadow Road.

Police tried to pull over Cameron McCabe as he drove through residential areas on the afternoon of February 13 in a Skoda Fabia.

Appearing at Leeds Crown Court, prosecutor Carley Green said the marked police car followed McCabe who accelerated before failing to slow at a junction and nearly collided with another vehicle.

Despite the officers triggering the sirens and lights, he continued to race away, reaching speeds of nearly 50mph on 30mph roads, including Cutsyke Avenue and Meadow Road where pedestrians were present.

Eventually he took his Skoda down a dirt track where a dog walker had to take evasive action and jump out of the way. When the Skoda reached the end of the track, McCabe and his passenger tried to run but McCabe was quickly apprehended.

It was found that the 22-years-old, who lives at Falcon Drive in Castleford, was more than three times over the legal drug-drive limit for cannabis.

He admitted dangerous driving, driving while over the drug-drive limit, driving while banned and without insurance.

Mitigating, Theresa Clark, said McCabe had suffered a troubled childhood with his father dying, suffering abuse from his stepfather and was largely homeless since the age of 16.

She said he was now a father to a baby and was living with his partner. He had bought the Skoda from a friend for £500.

Miss Clark said: "In his words, he was an idiot. He is really determined to turn his life around.

"He fully accepts the manner of his driving and that he did not have a licence or insurance.

"He has said he has put all that behind him and wants to be a more positive role model for his children."

Judge Tom Bayliss QC jailed him for six months and banned him from driving for three years.

He said: "The problem here is that those who drive dangerously put themselves at risk, their passengers at risk, the public at risk and police officers at risk. The courts will protect the police, there will be no dispute about this.

"You have been fined in the past for motoring offences and disqualified last year.

"These offences are so serious an immediate custodial sentence has to be passed. Behaviour like this won't be tolerated."