Banned motorist, 23, in Telford estate terror drive
A twice-banned Telford motorist who tore through a housing estate at 60mph almost ran over an elderly man, a court heard.
Police spotted Leon Pullinger – who had no insurance, no L plates and only a provisional licence – driving dangerously through the streets of Dawley, Telford.
And when they turned on their blue lights, he failed to stop.
Shrewsbury Crown Court heard how the wheels of the car were seen to be spinning.
Pullinger, 23, of Dinthill, in Hollinswood, forced an elderly resident walking along the pavement to jump out of the way and was at one point driving on the wrong side of the road.
Mr Simon Worlock, prosecuting, said Pullinger continued to accelerate away, reaching speeds of up to 60mph in a 30mph zone and was seen to clip the kerb.
He said: "It was a residential area of families and children. He pulled into the garage on Manor Road and that is where he was detained. He initially admitted driving carelessly but not dangerously."
The court was told the police car had got 20 metres behind the defendant but he still continued to drive in a dangerous fashion for five minutes.
Pullinger admitted dangerous driving on April 16 and summary offences of having no licence, no insurance and failing to stop.
The court head how he had previously been disqualified in 2011 and 2013 for motoring offences.
Judge Peter Barrie said: "You have a record of having got into trouble for driving when you had no licence or insurance to do so.
"You knew about that background and you knew you weren't a holder of a full driving licence.
"It might well have caused serious collisions, injury or death to other road users.
"There is a high dangerousness of driving through a residential area and young people may have been affected by the way your drive that car."
Pullinger was handed a 12-month community order with a supervision requirement. He was ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, undergo a skills course at a farm and was disqualified from driving for 18 months and until he has passed an extended driving test.
He was ordered to pay a fine of £150 for driving without insurance.
