Drug dealer smashed Suzuki Swift into banking after police chase through Leeds villages
Motorist was already on a driving ban
A banned driver who was dealing drugs crashed his car as he tried to outrun pursuing police.
Josef Hall reached up to 80mph while being chased through Oulton and Woodlesford.
He was caught with cocaine, cannabis and amphetamine. Despite having been convicted of selling drugs in the past, he avoided immediate custody at Leeds Crown Court this week.
Prosecutor Maleka Akuany said patrolling officers spotted the black Suzuki Swift on Church Lane in Methley on April 5.
After undertaking a vehicle, the police followed him along Methley Lane as he accelerated.
He hit 80mph during the pursuit, but when he reached Bullerthorpe Lane he struck a kerb, lost control and crashed into banking.
The 23-year-old got out and ran but was apprehended.
A small black bag was found in the footwell that contained bags of drugs separated into individual deals.
Hall, of no fixed address, gave a no-comment interview.
He later admitted dealing in Class A drugs, two of dealing in Class B drugs, dangerous driving and driving while banned.
Hall has seven previous convictions for 13 offences, including drug dealing and motoring offences, which led to a ban last year.
A probation report read to the court suggested Hall got himself into debt and was forced to work, and that he “panicked” when the police began to follow him.
There was also a suggestion there had been a violent robbery at his home in which family members were left injured and that had forced him back into drug dealing.
Mitigating, Celine Kart said he was “incredibly remorseful” and accepted responsibility.
She said Hall, a father of two, was brought up around drugs and domestic violence.
Hall had been held on remand since his arrest and Ms Kart said: “All he wants to do is be back with his kids.
“It’s been a sobering experience. He is free from drugs and has spent his time in custody wisely.”
The judge, Recorder Helen Chapman said it was “troubling” that he had built up a criminal record.
But she opted to jail him for three years, suspended for two years, with 180 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation days to complete and a new driving ban of more than two years.