Workmen were nearly hit by York speeding driver

Alex William Eadie, 29, was speeding through Clifton Moor housing estate in a police chase and had already gone through a red light on the wrong side of the road, said Rob Galley, prosecuting at York Crown Court.

He was not allowed to drive until he convinced DVLA he was medically fit to do so, was uninsured, and had recently finished his second driving ban under drink driving laws.

Rukhshanda Hussain, defending, said Eadie had panicked when he saw the police car behind him and had driven straight home. He had thought he was insured.

Eadie, of Lindley Road, Clifton Moor, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving whilst uninsured, driving without a licence and failure to stop for a police officer.

“It was wholly unacceptable driving that could have killed youngsters out in the street,” said Judge Paul Worsley QC as he suspended a four-month prison sentence for two years on condition Eadie does 120 hours’ unpaid work and 20 days’ rehabilitative activities.

Eadie was also fined £50, ordered to pay £220 prosecution costs and banned from driving for two years.

Mr Galley said police in an unmarked car saw Eadie driving in Lord Mayor’s Walk at 11am on August 29 and followed him.

When he turned into Clifton Moorgate they signalled him to stop but he sped off through the 30mph area on the wrong side of the road.

After going through the red light, he went back to the right side of the road then turned into the housing estate.

“In Bransholme Drive, two workers tarmacking the road had a narrow escape,” said Mr Galley.

Eadie stopped outside his home and went inside, throwing the car keys through a house window into the garden.

He then claimed he hadn’t been driving the car, but police checks revealed the truth.

Miss Hussain said he was very remorseful and sorry for his actions.

He had been turning his life around after a difficult period and was taking medication for anxiety and depression following the death of his father four years ago.