Boy, 17, drove on grass between Dundee flats in 80mph police chase

A teenager led police on a wild car chase which a sheriff described as “the worst example of dangerous driving I have ever had to deal with.”

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was chased through streets in Linlathen, Midmill, Mid Craigie, Douglas and Stobswell at speeds of up to 80mph on the wrong side of the road.

He even sped between blocks of residential flats in a pedestrian area, Dundee Sheriff Court heard.

The teenager admitted driving dangerously and without insurance on December 3 2017 at excessive speeds while being pursued by a police vehicle displaying blue lights.

Fiscal depute Marie Irvine told the court the accused was spotted by police at 10.21pm driving at 45mph in a 30mph street.

“At the junction with Happyhillock Road,” Ms Irvine said, “the accused crossed into the opposing carriageway at excessive speed.”

After driving the wrong way around the roundabout at Douglas Road, he re-entered Happyhillock Road, mounting the pavement and driving across a grass area between blocks of flats.

He then travelled south on Pitkerro Road at approximately 70mph, almost colliding with another vehicle at the Kingsway roundabout. Within minutes he had reached Dens Road going through two red lights and in Strathmore Avenue reached approximately 80mph.

The car then slowed and stopped and the accused was immediately detained. A passenger ran off but was later traced by police.

Sheriff John Rafferty said: “This is the worst section two (dangerous driving) I have ever had to deal with. You could have killed people during various episodes.

“The risk of death was all too real.” He said his age, the fact he had pleaded guilty, was in employment and had expressed remorse had spared him a jail sentence.

He placed the teenager on a community payback order for a year, and a six month restriction of liberty order.

He was banned from driving for four years and ordered to pass the extended driving test.