A banned driver led police on a dangerous chase which ended when he crashed into an oncoming vehicle.
Richard Rodgerson was seen behind the wheel of an Audi A3 by police in November despite being disqualified from driving. But when officers attempted to pull him over, the 37-year-old took off, leading them on a dangerous chase that involved him driving on the wrong side of the road and putting other motorists at risk.
Rodgerson even drove over a police stinger device but continued the chase with two deflated tyres, and eventually came to a stop after crashing into another car. He committed the offence weeks after being found in possession of a Stanley knife in Houghton-le-Spring.
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Rodgerson, of West Street, Seaham, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced for possession of a blade, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance. He had pleaded guilty to the offences.
Glenn Gatland, prosecuting, said on November 10 this year, police were on patrol in County Durham when they spotted Rodgerson behind the wheel of an Audi A3 which they believed may have been "cloned". Rodgerson was followed, but a chase began after he failed to pull over. He then undertook other vehicles on a slip road by mounting a verge.
Mr Gatland said: "Officers were on the Bowburn slip road with a stinger device. The Audi went onto the slip road but did not stop and accelerated. The stinger was deployed and the defendant drove over it." The court heard that a police car also drove over the stinger and so couldn't continue the chase, but other officers took over.
The court heard that Rodgerson hit speeds of up to 60mph despite having two tyres punctured by the stinger. He then drove through Coxhoe and went the wrong way round a roundabout and overtook vehicles. He also drove dangerously in front of an ambulance, causing it to brake sharply.
The chase finally ended when Rodgerson smashed into another vehicle. Mr Gatland added: "He collided with an oncoming car which was being driven by a member of the public." Rodgerson tried to run away but was caught by officers, who discovered he had two rear seat passengers. The court heard Rodgerson had been banned from driving for 12 months at the time.
Mr Gatland said that weeks before the driving offences, on September 24, Rodgerson had been found in possession of a Stanley knife in Houghton-le-Spring after police saw him walking out of a wooded area with another man. When stopped, he said he had been using the knife to lay carpets earlier in the day.
Rachel Hedworth, defending, said Rodgerson had pleaded guilty to all matters a the first opportunity and said he had been helping a friend to lay a carpet on the day he was found with the Stanley knife. She said: "Following that, he was then driving a vehicle when he was seen by police. In total panic that he was in trouble again, he drove off in the way that was described and is utterly remorseful for his actions."
Ms Hedworth said Rodgerson was able to lead a "law abiding existence" and said he sought solace in drugs and alcohol following the death of his parents. She added: "He can have significant periods where he doesn't offend."
Sentencing Rodgerson, Judge James Adkin jailed him for 16 months and banned him from driving for two years and eight months. He must complete an extended re-test if he wants his licence back.
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