Banned driver in police chase through Blackpool

Ryan Tyson Murrayland, 26, of Branstree Road, Mereside, is now subject to a proceeds of crime investigation, Preston Crown Court was told.

Murrayland admitted charges of dangerous driving, driving wile disqualified, and failing to stop following the incident on January 30.

Prosecuting, Jeremy Groutsmith said: “At 2.45am two police officers in a marked police car were in Blackpool town centre and saw the defendant’s Vauxhall Corsa on Talbot Road.

“They followed it as it turned into residential streets nearby and illuminated their lights, requiring it to stop, which it failed to do.

“It accelerated away – in the view of the officers in a dangerous manner.

“It passed through Give Way junctions at George Street and Caunce Street without making any obvious attempt to check left or right for approaching vehicles.

“The car continued along Sherbourne Road, turning right into a further street, continuing at speed through two more give way junctions. The street narrows because there are parked vehicles on either side.

“The vehicle was exceeding the speed limit. The vehicle then turned left and went through two more Give Way junctions.”

He added the car then flouted a No Entry sign and travelled the wrong way down Buchanan Street.

Murrayland turned into an alley and stopped before fleeing with his passenger.

He was found hiding in a yard and was arrested. Officers found cash on him and in the vehicle.

Murrayland had been disqualified in 2007 and had to pass an extended retest. He was recalled to prison.

Paul Robinson, defending, said: “His explanation is he bought a car cheaply.”

Imposing an additional concurrent sentence of 12 months to his current jail term, Judge Stuart Baker said: “My hands are tied because you are already serving a sentence of imprisonment – you have been recalled to prison and are not due to be released until May next year.

“Whatever sentence I impose will expire before you are released from the sentence you are currently serving, and is unlikely to make any difference to the sentence you have to serve.

“It was a prolonged piece of bad driving and a deliberate attempt to evade police.”