'Laughing' teenager hit speeds of 120mph in high-speed police chase through Leeds
He “laughed” when dashcam footage of the pursuit was played to him
A teenager has been spared jail despite hitting speeds of 120mph during a police chase through Leeds.
Kyle Bennett received a suspended sentence at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday, despite running a red light, pulling off numerous high-speed overtakes and going the wrong way around a roundabout during the incident.
He pleaded guilty to all charges, including dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance, on the first day of his trial at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on June 10 this year.
Prosecutor Jody Beaumont told the court how the 19-year-old was spotted by police riding a motorbike, with a passenger, on Harrogate Road in Yeadon on June 28 last year.
Blue lights were activated after officers spotted that the bike had no number plates and that the defendant was wearing only a face covering with no helmet.
The court heard how Bennett failed to stop for officers, then led police on a high-speed pursuit towards the A660 Otley Road, then onto the A658 and A659. He reached speeds of over 30mph in a 20mph zone, before hitting 90mph in a 60mph zone and later highs of 120mph.
Lasting 30 minutes, the pursuit came to an end after the defendant struck another vehicle, causing the bike to flip. Bennett and his passenger attempted to flee the scene but were quickly apprehended and arrested.
The bike, which was worth a total value of £8,000, had been stolen from its owner, Ms Beaumont informed the court.
Following his arrest, the court heard how Bennett at first denied being the driver when interviewed by police and “laughed” when dashcam footage of the pursuit was played to him.
The 19-year-old, of Iveson Close, Lawnswood, has two convictions for six previous offences, including possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and arson.
A probation officer told the court that Bennett’s girlfriend was pregnant with their first child and he was determined to be there for the birth. He added that the defendant, had stopped taking cannabis, offered a low risk of reconviction and didn’t want to go back to prison.
Defence counsel, Ciara Church, told the court that her client had long suffered from a range of undiagnosed issues, including ADHD, borderline personality disorder and autism.
She said that he had a history of self harm, and that the lasting pain caused by a broken pelvis, sustained in the crash, was a “constant reminder that his actions have consequences.”
Passing sentence, Judge Simon Batiste described the incident as a “prolonged period of dangerous driving,” that showed a “total disregard” for the rules of the road and for the safety of others.
Despite this, he opted to take the “unusual” step of sentencing Bennett to 12 months in custody, suspended for two years, plus 120 hours of unpaid work and 15 activity rehabilitation days. He was also banned from driving for three years, and will be required to sit an extended test.
“I am giving you one chance and one chance only, no ifs and no buts,” Judge Batiste said. “If I see you again, then I will put right the mistake I’ve made today.
“You’ve got responsibilities now and a child on the way, make sure you sort your life out.”