Blackpool tearaway admits to sparking weekend police chase

James Morrison drove along pavements and grassed areas narrowly missing pedestrians, went through red lights and the wrong way round a one-way system in Blackpool.

The teenager, who was banned from the road at the time, was described as having an appalling record and presenting a danger to the public by a judge.

Morrison, aged 18, of Rusland Avenue, Mereside, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to driving dangerously while disqualified without insurance.

He was refused bail and remanded in custody to appear for sentence at Preston Crown Court on September 30 by District Judge Jeff Brailsford sitting at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court.

The judge told him: “Your record is appalling for someone of 18. You have 53 previous convictions, which include dangerous driving, the aggravated taking of a motor vehicle and disqualified driving.

“The risk and the danger that you presented in a sustained pursuit does not bear thinking about.”

Prosecutor, Pam Smith, said on September 13 at 10.45am police pursued Morrison, who was driving a Vauxhall Vectra dangerously on roads round Blackpool. Morrison had a three-year-old child in the car at the time.

The prosecutor opposed bail for Morrison saying: “He persistently commits offences while on bail.”

Hugh Pond, defending, said it was accepted Morrison had an appalling record and he had only just been release from a sentence of youth custody. Morrison had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and was adamant he would keep any conditions if granted bail.