Illegal driver who jumped out of moving vehicle during police chase lucky not to be jailed, judge says

Warehouse operative Todd Burgin did not have a licence or insurance leapt from the Ford Mondeo after the chase through residential streets in South Kirkby, Leeds Crown Court was told.

With his passenger also baling out, the Mondeo continued driverless and smashed into a parked Rover, sending it moving about a car length from its original position.

Burgin, 22, admitted a charge of dangerous driving.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Noble said that police had spotted the Mondeo travelling along Kirkby Road at around 11.40pm on January 12 last year.

Wanting to check its details, they turned their unmarked vehicle around and tried to pursue the Mondeo, which was getting away in the distance, despite the officer putting his foot down.

They turned off their blue lights and eventually caught up with the car which was travelling up to 50mph on 30mph roads.

It was seen to cross over the broken white lines while cornering, mounted a pavement at one point and narrowly missed a traffic island.

Despite the police triggering the blue lights again and flashing their headlights, Burgin continued to ignore them.

He took them down Holmsley Lane, Dunsley Terrace and West Street in South Kirkby.

Eventually, Burgin and his passenger opened their doors and jumped out before running off.

Burgin was not arrested until some time later after a forensic match from the car was found. Dash cam footage from the police car also showed him clearly as he began running from the Mondeo.

He gave no comment during police interview.

It was found that the Mondeo, that he says he had borrowed from a friend, was bearing false reg plates.

Mitigating, Craig Sutcliffe, said: "While this defendant's driving has gone on for a modest period of time, I do not suggest that his behaviour is excusable.

"He borrowed the vehicle from a friend, he knew he did not have a licence and when the officer began to follow him, he panicked.

"He regrets his actions that day."

Burgin gave an address of Grove Mount, South Kirkby during an earlier court appearance, but the court was told that her had been recently 'sofa surfing' - staying at other people's homes.

Judge Simon Batiste told Burgin that he was lucky in avoiding going directly to jail.

He said: "People involving themselves with police chases can expect to go to prison and you would have no complaints if I locked you up.

"Most people who did what you do go to prison, but I will take a chance on you. I will not not lock you up but you came mighty close.

"You have been very lucky today. Do not throw it back in my face."

He was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, and given a 30-month driving ban.