Dangerous driver jailed for 20 months following reckless Bradford city centre pursuit

Thursday, 12 December 2019 10:55

A dangerous driver has been jailed for 20 months after leading police on a pursuit, endangering the public, being found in possession of an offensive weapon.

Marek Kasprowicz, 23, of Stone Street, Bradford city centre, appeared at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday, charged with offences related to dangerous driving, after he led police on a pursuit through the city centre.

The incident occurred on January 13 when police on patrol spotted his Ford Focus turning away to avoid them.

Upon signalling for him to stop, he sped off, leading the police on a chase through Legrams Lane, Ingleby Road, Thornton Road, Grattan Road, John Street, Upper Piccadilly and Kirkgate on to Manor Row where the vehicle was abandoned.

During the chase, Kasprowicz did 70mph down Thornton Road, clipped a vehicle wing mirror, cut across traffic, drove on the pavement and jumped red lights, as well as continuing to speed along on the metal wheel rim after the front tyre burst.

Addressing Kasprowicz in sentencing, Judge Jonathan Rose said: “You need to stop before somebody dies. Prison is the only place for dangerous drivers convicted as a result of a police pursuit.”

He was subsequently jailed for 14 months for dangerous driving, four months for possession of an offensive weapon, and two months for jumping court bail, all to run consecutively.

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