An Oldham driver who led police on a chase at speeds of up to 70mph on residential streets through Hollins and Chadderton before crashing his car has avoided prison – with the judge taking into account the length of time it has taken for him to be sentenced.
Mohammed N Khan, of Hardy Street, was sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court for dangerous driving, failing to stop when required, driving without insurance, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
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Now aged 26, the Oldhamer, who has previous unrelated convictions, pleaded guilty at Tameside Magistrates Court on January 21, 2020, where he was given an interim driving ban.
Prosecuting barrister Jonathan Dickinson described the events leading up to Khan's arrest, with the Oldhamer said to have driven through multiple red lights and give-way signs while trying to escape police in the early hours of December 30, 2019, when the driver was 22.
A police officer told Khan, who was driving a Honda Civic and accompanied by a passenger, to pull over on Hollins Road at just after 2am.
After he did not stop, he was pursued on Frederick Street, through the junction with Manchester Road, and then onto Edward Street.
Mr Dickinson described how Khan sped through side streets “seemingly with no regard to any other potential road users” as he continued to try to outrun police, before turning onto Featherstall Road South where he reached speeds of 70mph, more than double the legal limit of 30mph.
He then turned onto Arkwright Street, crossing giveway markings without slowing and continuing at speeds of more than 40mph.
According to the prosecution, the chase ended after Khan turned onto Queens Road – a cul-de-sac with no exit for motor vehicles.
Now pursued by two police vehicles, he crashed into two parked vehicles at the end of the road, wedging his vehicle between them. Unable to get away, he was arrested and taken into custody.
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Sentencing, Recorder Alexandra Simmons noted that the offence was serious enough for a custodial sentence, with a starting point of 18 months, but said that a custodial sentence would seem ‘unnecessary’.
Additionally, Recorder Simmons noted that Khan is soon due to be sentenced at Tameside Magistrates for driving while disqualified, which she said she would not take into account in her sentencing.
She said: “There is mitigation in that you have now been waiting four years for this matter to be dealt with. In the main, you’ve stayed out of trouble – which is a good indicator for what you’re capable of doing.
“At the time you were very young, you lacked maturity, your mental health was suffering. There’s evidence of poor decision-making on your behalf.”
He was sentenced to an 18-month community order, 100 hours of unpaid work, and given a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, alongside an 18-month driving ban.
Ms Simmons warned Khan that he would be put back before the court if he does not comply with his sentence.
Additionally, his licence will be endorsed for driving without insurance and without the proper licence.
As he has already been banned from driving for four years due to the interim driving ban, Ms Simmons said he can drive again after taking an extended re-test.
If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Oldham. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk or click to send me a message on WhatsApp or on Signal on 07517566383.
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