Man drove into fields to dodge police pursuers (From Evesham Journal)

Man drove into fields to dodge police pursuers

7:50am Sunday 2nd September 2012 in News By Sarah Davies

A MECHANIC led police on a high-speed chase through Pershore because his car was not insured, a court was told.

Jack Sharp abandoned his VW Passat on the side of Bredon Hill having reached speeds of 78mph during an early morning pursuit, Worcester Magistrates Court was told. Matt Dodson, prosecuting, said officers were following the 25-year-old as he drove along the B4084 into Pershore at about 3.45am on July 15. The police national computer revealed the car did not have a registered keeper and was not insured.

Mr Dodson said officers switched on the blue lights of their squad car to signal to Sharp to pull over, but he turned into Three Springs Road and increased his speed. He was clocked driving at 74mph in a 30mph zone, crossing on to the wrong side of the road at one point to negotiate a roundabout before turning onto Defford Road, Broad Street and Bridge Street.

Officers noted Sharp was travelling at 78mph in a 20mph zone and ignored no entry signs as he headed towards the Combertons.

They pursued him through villages and winding country lanes, until he seemingly reached a dead end at a farm.

Mr Dodson said Sharp then drove off into fields on to the slopes of Bredon Hill and police pursued on foot.

They found his car abandoned on the hill and a search with police dogs ensued, but they could not find Sharp. He was interviewed on three occasions and initially denied any involvement before admitting he was the driver.

Sharp told officers the car was his but he had driven off because it was not insured.

Sharp, of High Street, Pershore, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance and failing to stop for police.

Danny Smith, defending, said it was his client who instigated the third interview as he wanted to “come clean”. He said Sharp otherwise lived a “very law-abiding life” and had a two-year-old child with another due.

Magistrates decided their sentencing powers were insufficient and committed Sharp for sentencing at Worcester Crown Court .