A VAN driver who “set off like a rocket” at the start of a two-mile police chase around Keighley has been spared an immediate prison sentence.

Richard Smith reached speeds of 70mph in the heavily smoking vehicle, narrowly avoiding pedestrians, smashing into a boulder and tilting it over on a bank.

He then fled on foot and was tracked by officers on foot and the police helicopter, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Smith, 31, of Eaton Street, Keighley, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on April 14 last year and driving uninsured and without a licence.

Prosecutor Jessica Randell said officers on patrol at 10.45am saw the Transit van cutting a corner on South Street. 

Smith was not wearing a seatbelt and by the time the vehicle had reached Victoria Street, it was discovered that he was uninsured.

A blue light pursuit followed in which the van reached speeds of 70mph in a 30 zone, went straight through a Stop signed junction and almost hit a parked vehicle.

Miss Randell said that heavy smoke was by now coming from the damaged vehicle.
Smith headed on to a dirt track at Woodhouse Road, almost hitting pedestrians, before smashing into a boulder and tilting the van over on a bank.

His passenger was detained by the police but he ran off and was believed to have switched clothing while he was being hunted, the court was told.

He was arrested sweating and with cuts and scratches after fleeing across gardens.

He had 18 previous convictions for 32 offences and had never held a full driving licence, the court was told.

He made no comment to all questions asked by the police.
Smith’s solicitor advocate, Julian White, said he was severely disabled after a serious road accident in 2016 and as the result of being attacked last year.

There had been no injuries in the police pursuit and the only damage was to the van.
Recorder Taryn Turner asked if he was driving a specially adapted van for his disability and Mr White said no. 

Smith’s illness meant he had no memory of why he got into the vehicle that day.

Recorder Turned said he “set off like a rocket” round Keighley, driving dangerously through a residential area when there were pedestrians around.

Smith was sentenced to ten months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 20 rehabilitation activity days.

He was banned from driving for three years.