Dangerous driver Matthew Machin took police on 8-mile pursuit through Stoke-on-Trent

DANGEROUS driver Matthew Machin has been jailed after he was chased by police for eight miles along busy roads.

The 38-year-old went through red lights, overtook numerous cars and mounted the kerb as he sped through built-up areas at 60mph.

The chase, which took place during the afternoon, was sparked because officers wanted to speak to Machin about a reported burglary.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard he was later cleared of any involvement, so had no reason to evade the police.

Paul Spratt, prosecuting, said: "The defendant's Subaru Impreza was seen by officers on the A34 in the vicinity of the Parkhouse roundabout.

"The defendant failed to stop for police.

"A chase ensued through Chesterton, up to Bradwell, before going into Wolstanton, down Porthill Bank and into Burslem, where the vehicle was eventually abandoned in a side street.

"The defendant was later arrested in a derelict building.

"During the journey the defendant attained speeds of 60mph, well in excess of the speed limit.

"He overtook vehicles on two occasions, three the first time and four on the second, causing them to take evasive action.

"He drove past a school at 50mph and went thought red traffic lights, most seriously at the junction of Waterloo Road and Scotia Road."

Machin, of Trinity Court, Chesterton, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

The court heard he had been disqualified from driving twice before, and previously convicted of driving while disqualified.

Kevin Mortlock, mitigating, said the offence came after Machin fell out with the owner of a garage where he used to work.

A burglary at the garage had been reported and it was suggested Machin was involved, but this turned out to be untrue.

Mr Mortlock said: "The defendant accepts he made a very foolish decision in not stopping to speak to police.

"Had he stopped and spoken to him the matter would have been resolved.

"He has been in custody before, the last time was in 2009 for an unrelated matter following the break down of his relationship with his former partner.

"Since that time his life has been in turmoil.

"He has been without accommodation for long periods of time and has been moving between Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

"The author of the pre-sentence report says Mr Machin appears to have made efforts himself to try and change.

"He has made efforts to address the crippling debts he has, and has also enrolled on a course to try to get back into work."

Machin was jailed for 10 months and disqualified from driving for three years.

Judge Paul Glenn said it was very lucky nobody had been injured during the chase, which took place on December 8 last year.

"This was a quite shocking piece of driving," he said.

"It was a sustained piece of driving to avoid dealing with the police, when on your account you had done nothing wrong."