A woman led police on a dangerous high-speed chase at speeds of up to 90mph before hitting a dead end and jumping out of the moving car.
Julie Ann Allen was seen driving at speed in County Durham in the early hours of August 13, last year, when police attempted to stop her. But the 25-year-old decided to take off after being "encouraged" by her male passenger, leading officers on a chase that lasted over 20 minutes and saw her drive through three red lights.
Allen, of Spen Street, Stanley, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday to be sentenced for dangerous driving. She pleaded guilty to the charges at a previous hearing.
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Matthew Hopkins, prosecuting, said police were on patrol in Stanley at around 4.35am when they saw Allen driving at speed. They put on their sirens and tried to pull her over, but she instead took off, driving in an "erratic manner". Mr Hopkins said: "The defendant travelled on the wrong side of the road at speeds of up to 80mph in a 60mph zone and 90mph, also in a 60mph zone. She drove through three red lights."
The court heard that Allen sped through a crossroads at speed before finding herself at a dead end in an estate. A man then got out of the passenger seat and ran off, with one of the pursuing officers chasing after him. Mr Hopkins said: "The defendant then reversed the car into the path of the police officer, who avoided being struck. The chase then resumed and the defendant opened the door while the car was still moving and got out. The car rolled down the street and rested against a fence, narrowly missing parked cars."
The court heard that Allen ran off but was later found in a taxi and arrested. Mr Hopkins said that she made no comment in interview.
Kelly Sherif, defending, said Allen experienced an absolute crash in her own life at the time of the offence. At the time she was in a bad place and in with the wrong crowd. She panicked, she knew it was wrong but didn't know what to do and was encouraged by the person sat beside her." Ms Sherif added: "Since that period she has turned her life around and has joined a gym."
Sentencing Allen, Recorder Paul Reid said she was driving in an "appalling fashion at very high speed". Despite the serious offence, Recorder Reid said Allen was "making a change in life", leading him to take an "exceptional course" in suspending her prison sentence.
Allen was given a six month prison sentence, suspended for two years and must complete 100 hours unpaid work over next 12 months. She must also complete 30 rehabilitation activity days and pay £340 costs and was banned from driving for 18 months, after which she must sit an extended re-test.
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