A DANGEROUS driver who put lives at risk as he fled from police in Workington has been given a suspended jail sentence.

The attempt by Ryan Charters to outrun police as he sped along a series of roads – including one in a residential area where he drove at 70mph – ended after he crashed into a wall, Carlisle Crown Court.

The 37-year-old defendant, of John Street, Workington, admitted dangerous driving, having no insurance and no proper licence.

Prosecutor Brendan Burke said the police began pursuing Charters after she spotted him driving at “excessive speed” through Workington at 9pm on April 27. He was at the wheel of an Audi A4.

“He drove through numerous red lights,” said the barrister.

“He drove out of town and on to the A595, where he overtook a vehicle which was slowing down and turned right. That brought him into conflict with oncoming traffic and there was a near miss with an oncoming vehicle.”

The defendant then headed back towards Workington. During his dangerous journey, he drove also on the A596, the A597 and in several areas of Workington town centre, the court heard.

“He eventually crashed into a brick wall in a car park,” said Mr Burke. “He attempted to flee but he was detained.” Though a roadside drugs swipe gave a positive result for cocaine, there was not enough of the drug in his system to warrant a charge.

Kim Whittlestone, defending, said the defendant had struggled with drug addiction for many years and he had managed to control this until the beginning of this year when his father passed away.

“He came into a significant sum of money,” said the barrister. “It’s fair to say that he was certainly preyed upon by others.” He had been in a downward spiral at the time he committed the offence.

Yet since his remand in custody, he had remained drug free.

Judge Richard Archer said the defendant did not need to be told how many lives he had put at risk by his dangerous driving as he reached high speeds in a residential area and his use of cocaine had increased that risk.

He could have caused “untold consequences” to others, said the judge. “You are a man who has experienced grief and trauma in your own life and you could have released grief and trauma on others as a result of your actions,” said the judge.

But Judge Archer concluded that there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. He imposed eight months jail, suspended for two years. Charters must complete 180 hours of unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation activity days.

He was given an 18-month ban and must pass an extended test before he can apply for his driving licence.