A DRIVER who reached speeds of 75mph in a 30mph zone after failing to stop for police has been spared jail.

Callum James Molloy, 24, from Castle Gresley, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court today (February 9) after admitting charges of dangerous driving and driving with no insurance.

He was sentenced to 20 months in prison suspended for two years, disqualified from driving for two years, ordered to do 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 120 hours of community service. 

He was also ordered to pay a £140 victim surcharge and £250 in costs. 

PC Owen Davies tried to stop a Ford Fiesta being driven by Molloy on the M5 between junctions 23 and 24, at about 12.25am on Tuesday, December 5, as he was driving at 96mph through roadworks, where there was an advisory limit of 40mph in place.

Bridgwater Mercury:

Molloy failed to stop and left the M5 at junction 24, heading into Bridgwater. During the pursuit, Molloy drove on the wrong side of the road, crossed double white lines, went through red lights on a crossroads at 70mph, mounted and drove across a pavement and reached speeds of 75mph in Taunton Road, where the limit is 30mph.

At one point, an Audi travelling in the opposite direction was forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision as Molloy drove straight towards it.

PC Davies eventually forced Molloy’s vehicle to stop in Puriton Hill. One of they tyres on Molloy's car had completely disintegrated.

During the court hearing, Nikki Coombe, speaking for the prosecution, said Malloy had driven through red lights on the wrong the side of the road driving at speeds in excess of 50mph and explained that there was a passenger in the vehicle.

"He only had a provisional licence and had not taken his theory test. He had owned the car for four months and had no insurance," Mrs Coombe said.

Defending Molloy was Rebecca Bradberry, who said the 24-year-old was well aware he could have killed someone and was remorseful for his actions.

"He knows his actions were extremely stupid. He panicked when the police pursued him."

Bridgwater Mercury:

Sentencing Molloy, Judge David Ticehurst said: "What a stupid thing to do.

"You should not have been driving that car, and rather than stop you continued at speed, through roadworks, on the wrong side of the road and through red traffic lights.

"You could have easily killed someone, a child, a mother or a father."

PC Davies, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Callum Molloy had no regard for other road users’ safety that day and drove at extremely dangerous speeds during the pursuit.

“Towards the end of the incident he was continuing to drive despite the vehicle suffering two blown tyres.

“His actions could easily have had fatal consequences had he been in collision with another motorist or pedestrian.”