A driver who led police on a high-speed pursuit from North Yorkshire into Teesside at speeds of up to 150mph has been banned from the roads for three years and handed a suspended prison sentence.
Muhammad Khaliq Rasool, 22, of Oxbridge Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, pleaded guilty to failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and possession of the Class C drug oxymetholone.
Appearing at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on March 27, Rasool admitted the offences and was sentenced on Thursday, June 4, to 30 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.
He was also ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity, carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £272 in court costs. The drugs were ordered to be forfeited and destroyed.
The court also disqualified Rasool from driving for 36 months and ordered him to pass an extended driving test before he can return to the road.
The pursuit began at 1.22am on December 19 last year when North Yorkshire Police Roads Policing Sergeant Keenen spotted Rasool’s white Skoda Superb travelling north on the A19 near Knayton, outside Thirsk.
After following the vehicle, officers recorded it travelling at 130mph on the dual carriageway. When Sgt Keenen attempted to stop the car using blue lights and sirens near Exelby Services, Rasool accelerated away.
The pursuit continued northbound with the Skoda reaching speeds of 140mph as it crossed into the Cleveland Police area near Crathorne. Rasool then drove through red traffic lights in Middlesbrough before joining the A174, where officers recorded speeds of up to 150mph.
The chase eventually left the dual carriageway at the A171 junction near Ormesby and Cargo Fleet. Travelling through a 30mph residential area, Rasool drove into a dead end on Meadow Close where the vehicle was blocked by the pursuing police car.
Police said Rasool then attempted to avoid responsibility by quickly moving into the front passenger seat while his passenger climbed into the rear of the vehicle.
However, CCTV footage recovered from the area showed Rasool had been driving throughout the pursuit. The passenger was subsequently released without charge.
While in custody, officers also discovered Rasool was carrying 10 oxymetholone tablets that had not been prescribed to him.
Sgt Keenen said the pursuit footage demonstrated Rasool’s “complete disregard” for the safety of other road users.
He added: “Quite rightly, Rasool has been banned from the roads for a considerable length of time.
“This case shows the determination of North Yorkshire Police to relentlessly pursue dangerous criminals who use our road networks. We operate beyond our borders and suspects can expect to be caught.”
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