A disqualified driver has been jailed after leading police on a dangerous pursuit across the M6 and Warrington.
Jimmy McCann appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Monday 1 December where he was sentenced to eight months in prison.
The 36-year-old of Pluckley Road, Bethersden, Kent, had earlier pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.
At around 8pm on Saturday 29 November, officers on patrol spotted McCann driving a black Ford Mondeo erratically on the M6 northbound at junction 19. Following checks, officers found that the vehicle was also displaying cloned plates.
The vehicle continued to drive in a dangerous manner, swerving across lanes and travelling at speeds of up to 120mph.
McCann then slowed the vehicle down to 40mph before stopping on the hard shoulder. When officers approached, he made off in the vehicle at speed, and a pursuit was declared.
McCann failed to stop and exited the M6. Officers followed him onto the M62 westbound when he made a U turn, and officers were forced to use their vehicle to end the pursuit. McCann was subsequently arrested for multiple offences, including drug driving.
On top of his custodial sentence, McCann was banned from driving for 30 months and is required to pass an extended test before he can get a licence again.
A passenger in the vehicle, a 38-year-old man, was also arrested. No further action was taken against him.
Inspector Bradley Hughes of the Roads and Crime Unit said: “Over recent days, the force has dealt with several serious collisions, the effects of which can devastate families, especially as we enter the Christmas period.
“Thankfully, in this instance, no-one was seriously injured as a result of McCann’s dangerous driving, but the consequences could have been far worse.
“Cars can be lethal weapons, particularly when they are being driven dangerously, or by those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“He put his life and the lives of other road users at considerable risk, and I welcome the sentence handed to him.”
