Dangerous driver who risked lives while being chased by police in Portsmouth avoids jail

‘Panicked’ Jamie McClelland, 37, embarked on a dangerous spree of driving through roads in Portsmouth for two minutes as officers tried to haul him over after spotting his vehicle in Kingston Road on December 17 at 6.50pm.

But despite putting lives at risk as he attempted to make his getaway from police, the driver was spared immediate jail when he appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court.

McClelland’s reign of terror was short-lived but put numerous people in danger of serious injury as he made his way along Powerscourt Road, Westbourne Road, Chichester Road and Funtington Road in North End.

Prosecutor Gary Venturi said: ‘Officers became aware the defendant had no insurance and ignited blue lights – but he did not pull over. Instead he sped-up and tried to make off while the police gave chase with sirens going.

‘One vehicle was forced to reverse out of the way as the defendant sped towards him. Mr McClelland then swerved around another vehicle.

‘He was eventually blocked in down Westbourne Road where he tried to reverse before police arrested him.’

The court was told McClelland had 13 previous convictions including driving offences but the crimes dated back 15 years.

Howard Barrington-Clark, defending, admitted the offences ‘obviously crossed the custody threshold’ but said the offences were akin to when someone lies.

‘His driving was the same as when you tell lies,’ he said. ‘You end up telling more and more. It is the same when you panic. That is why he drove dangerously for two minutes.’

Recorder Noel Casey told McClelland: ‘Your response was wholly out of proportion.

‘Your driving brought about enormous risk to yourself, the police and the public over something relatively minor.’

McClelland, of Gladys Avenue, Portsmouth, admitted dangerous driving, driving without insurance and failing to stop.

He was given three months jail suspended for 12 months and told to complete 25 rehabilitation days. He also received a driving ban for 12 months.