Ban for man who drove wrong way at 70mph after taking drink and drugs
A man who had taken drink and drugs before he drove the wrong way down a dual-carriageway at 70mph has avoided immediate imprisonment.
A judge decided that the public would be better protected if Jamie Jones, 28, could tackle his alcohol and cocaine problems.
Judge Niclas Parry said that it was "a leap of faith" by the court and warned that if he did not take his chance then he would face a heavy penalty.
Jones, 28, led police on a 16-mile pursuit early one morning in July. He twice evaded a police stinger device and twice went around a roundabout the wrong way.
It was alleged that he was driving at 70mph along the wrong carriageway at one stage, drove at 90mph along the A55, which runs through North Wales, and the chase only came to an ended when the car stopped with smoke pouring from the engine compartment.
Part of the chase was captured on film from a police helicopter above and the footage was played at Mold Crown Court on an earlier occasion.
Jones, of Pleasant View in Froncysyllte near Chirk, admitted dangerous driving in a silver VW Polo, failing to provide a specimen, failing to stop, no driving licence and no insurance.
At court yesterday, Judge Parry gave him a 14-month prison sentence suspended for two years, placed him on rehabilitation, and sent him on a drugs course with monthly court reviews. He was banned from driving for two-and-a-half years.
