Motorist jailed after four-mile car chase

Jan 31 2009 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

MOTORIST Christopher Armstrong led police on a terrifying four-mile chase at speeds of up to 90mph through a built-up area.

Armstrong, 21, was spotted by traffic officers driving a Citroen Saxo without lights, and with three passengers on board, shortly before midnight on August 22 last year.

Instead of pulling over when a police patrol car flashed its blue lights, Armstrong sped off, crossing into the opposite lane to round bends, veering onto grass verges, and narrowly missing one oncoming vehicle.

Traffic officers pursued him from the A692 in Consett to Healeyfield Lane.

Durham Crown Court was told he reached speeds of 90mph on roads where the speed limit was just 30mph.

When Armstrong’s car eventually slowed to a halt he lashed out at officers who were trying to arrest him. They had to smash a window to grab the ignition keys.

Armstrong, of Surrey Crescent, Moorside, Consett, was found to have 65 micrograms of alcohol on his breath, almost twice the legal limit.

The Court was told he had since been banned for 18 months for another drink/driving offence.

Nick Peacock, for Armstrong, who admitted dangerous driving and drink/driving, said Armstrong had a previously unblemished record, although he was guilty on this occasion of “a disgraceful piece of driving.” Armstrong was sentenced to six months in prison, and ordered he serve at least three months.