Learner driver, 18, hit 84mph and dodged stinger as he led police ‘on merry dance’ in ten minute chase
A LEARNER driver hit 84mph in a ten-minute police chase — but still used his indicators.
McKenzie Ridley, 18, who had just failed his theory test, jumped red lights and took a roundabout the wrong way.
He raced at more than double the 40mph limit in a friend’s Mercedes.
The student swerved a police “stinger” before he was finally nicked after stopping on the A150 at Jarrow, South Tyneside.
Dash-cam clips showed he stuck to the Highway Code during the pursuit in February, indicating to signal his manoeuvres.
Ridley got a two-year drive ban after admitting dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.
He was also put on a curfew at Newcastle crown court.
Sam Faulks, defending, said: “He is a very young defendant, he carried out this offence five days after his 18th birthday.
“He panicked and fled because he was worried his mum would find out.”
Judge Julie Clemitson said it was a “remarkable turn of good fortune” that nobody was hurt.
She told Ridley: “You led them on a merry dance for around ten minutes before you abandoned the car and ran away.
“Your driving during that time put people at risk, not just yourself but your passengers and other people using the roads that night.
“You were driving extremely fast.”