An unlicensed driver who quit the police after navigating rush hour traffic has been spared an immediate custodial sentence after the court heard his ADHD would leave him vulnerable in jail.
Mohammed Bilal was about to leave court through the back door of the cells, Bradford Registrar Judge Richard Mansell QC told him today.
Bilal, 22, of Ransdale Drive, Little Horton, Bradford, pleaded guilty to driving dangerously in a black Vauxhall Insignia on April 27 last year.
Bradford Crown Court heard he was unlicensed, uninsured and tested positive for cannabis at the roadside.
He had also twice driven illegally while under investigation for dangerous driving.
The court was told officers on patrol on Cemetery Road at 6pm spotted Bilal making his way through the queue. The police stopped next to him and told him to hand over his car keys.
He asked to be allowed to drive to the next junction and when told no, he sped up.
He drove dangerously down Beckside Lane, Spencer Road, Great Horton Road, Horton Park Road and Laisteridge Lane, finally coming to a stop when he reached a dead end.
He was arrested and made no comment when questioned by police.
By way of mitigation, it was stated that Bilal was a full-time supermarket employee who was highly valued by his employer.
He cared for his sick mother who would have a hard time coping without his help.
Bilal had pleaded guilty before the magistrates’ court. The chase was relatively short and no one was injured.
He was awaiting treatment for his ADHD but was on a long waiting list. He also suffered from depression and anxiety.
He had a very supportive family and had ambitions to one day open his own shop.
Judge Mansell sentenced him to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 30 days of rehabilitation activity with the probation service and a four-month curfew.
He was banned from driving for 12 months and until he passed an extended retest.
Judge Mansell said Bilal had since driven uninsured and unlicensed in November and while disqualified and uninsured in January this year.
It was a miracle he didn’t crash into another vehicle while being chased by police on busy roads through residential areas.
But his ADHD had not been properly treated and that would leave him vulnerable in the adult prison where he would be sent.
