'Arrogant' Telford teenager 'drove like a maniac' in 100mph police chase

Akqeel Khan, 19, of Dukes View, Donnington, was already serving two bans for driving without a full licence and having no insurance in 2016 and 2017.

Prosecuting barrister Mr Andrew Wallace told Shrewsbury Crown Court that an officer spotted Khan at the wheel of his blue Seat car in Telford on April 3 this year. He was driving at excessive speeds and swerving along roads while failing to slow down at junctions.

Mr Wallace said: “He was seen at about 4.33am near Trench Lock Island. He saw the defendant’s vehicle which went through two red traffic lights on the island then travelled for about one mile in a 30mph zone at speed. He went through Donnington weaving along residential streets.

“The officer was of the view that the defendant was aware of his presence.”

He said another officer trained in tactical pursuits took over and followed Khan with blue lights on.

“The defendant made no effort to stop. He drove at high speed with no consideration for the junctions. He shot over the A518 at Wellington, swerved to the wrong side of the road and drove at 100mph towards Clock Tower Island where he drove the wrong way round the island and drove into Station Road and then into a cul-de-sac,” Mr Wallace said.

Khan admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to stop and having no insurance at a previous hearing.

Judge Anthony Lowe told him he had behaved like a “maniac” putting the lives of other drivers at risk.

“There was an arrogance to this offending," said the udge.

"You knew full well that you should not drive unless accompanied by someone able to accompany you. You hadn’t even taken a driving test. You drove deliberately and without insurance.

“You really didn’t care.”

For dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified Khan was sentenced to youth detention for four months suspended for 12 months and banned from the road for 18 months. He must attend 19 thinking skills sessions with probation and carry out 120 hours’ unpaid work in the community to be served concurrently. He must also pay £340 costs. There was no separate penalty for failing to stop and having no insurance.

Solicitor Advocate Mr Ranjit Sandhu, for Khan, said: “He understands his actions were stupid.”