Hull Crown Court heard he used the city’s streets as a ‘racetrack’ during the incident
A reckless BMW driver used the streets of Hull as a “racetrack” and reached hair-raising speeds of 100mph during a “shocking and frightening” police chase in the early hours of the morning. Martin Johnson hurtled through red traffic lights and drove on the wrong side of the road and it was only by “good fortune” that nobody was killed or seriously injured.
Dangerous driving “did not come much more serious” than this, Hull Crown Court heard. Johnson, 40, of North Drive, Anlaby, admitted dangerous driving, driving while over the limit for cocaine and having no insurance on July 27 last year. He pleaded guilty on the day of a scheduled trial.
Jane Rapin, prosecuting, said that police saw Johnson driving a BMW at speed in the opposite direction to them on Calvert Lane, Hull, at 3.06am. They turned their car round, activated their sirens and blue flashing lights and followed him.
There was a 13-minute chase, including on Springfield Way, Wolverton Road, Willerby Road, Kingston Road, Spring Bank, Walton Street, Princes Avenue, Queens Road, Cottingham Road, Chanterlands Avenue and Bricknell Avenue. It also took in County Road North, National Avenue, Perth Street West, North Road, Boothferry Road and Richmond Road.
Johnson reached speeds of 100mph at times and he went through red traffic lights and drove on the wrong side of the road, including at roundabouts. He even continued driving after the police used a tyre-bursting stinger device in a bid to stop him.
The pursuit finally ended after he crashed into another vehicle. He had two passengers in the car and he was three times the legal limit for cocaine.
Julia Baggs, mitigating, said that Johnson was driving his twin brother’s car. “He accepts full responsibility,” said Miss Baggs. “He knows how serious this was and how risky his behaviour was.”
His driving could have had “potentially catastrophic” consequences but “mercifully” nobody was injured and there was very limited damage. Johnson claimed that he was “scared” when he drove off.
“He is deeply remorseful,” said Miss Baggs. “He is very, very sorry. He has been out of trouble since. There is nothing else.” Unemployed Johnson could not work after he was left with very reduced mobility after suffering injuries in 2007.
Judge John Thackray KC said that, at a hearing before Hull Magistrates’ Court, Johnson denied that he was the driver. “It’s difficult to accept that you are truly remorseful,” said Judge Thackray.
“You used the residential streets of Hull as a racetrack. You drove a high-powered BMW motor vehicle at speeds of around 100mph through numerous red lights and on numerous occasions on the wrong side of the carriageway.”
The police pictures of the chase were “shocking and frightening” to watch. “Only good fortune prevented death or serious injury here,” said Judge Thackray.
“You put so many people’s lives at risk here – the police who were following you, your passengers and numerous members of the public. Dangerous driving doesn’t get much more serious than this.”
Johnson, who had been on bail and walking with crutches, was jailed for nine months. He was banned from driving for three years and four months and he must pass an extended retest before he can drive legally again.