A disqualified driver who led police on a dangerous high-speed chase through Bootle before crashing into another car has been jailed for 16 months.
Paul Hazlett, 44, of Boode Croft, Stockbridge Village, was spotted driving a black Audi A6 on Hawthorne Road on the evening of July 26, despite being disqualified from driving.
Chase and Crash
The Audi initially pulled over after being spotted by an officer. However, as the officer got out of the patrol car, Hazlett sped off, sparking a police chase. During the pursuit, he drove at excessive speeds, went through red traffic lights, travelled on the wrong side of the road and ignored give-way markings.
The chase ended in a crash with a red Seat Leon on Hawthorne Road, leaving its driver with minor injuries. Hazlett continued to flee through residential streets and onto Stanley Road, where officers used a stinger device to stop the Audi. Police then used a tactical four-car box to bring the vehicle to a safe stop.
Arrest and Sentencing
Hazlett was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, driving without insurance, failing to stop for police and driving while disqualified. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Wirral Magistrates' Court on Friday, November 6.
Roads Policing Chief Inspector Gavin Dixon said Hazlett's driving showed a "complete disregard" for the safety of other road users. He added: "The speed and manner of driving shown by Hazlett demonstrated a complete disregard for the safety of other road users as he sped through the streets of Bootle, at times driving on the wrong side of the road."
Warning to Drivers
Dixon continued: "At one stage he drove dangerously around a corner and crashed into a red car. Thankfully the driver was not seriously injured, but it is easy to imagine how shaken he must have been by the impact."
He concluded: "This sentence should serve as a warning that dangerous driving and attempts to evade police will not be tolerated, and we will continue to take robust action against those who put lives at risk on our roads."
