A 30-year-old disqualified driver led police on a cocaine-fuelled car chase around Dundee’s Dens Road area, a court has heard.
Pedestrians had to jump back on to the kerb as Charles Christie raced away from officers before abandoning the vehicle and running off.
Christie, of Craigmore Street, was jailed for 15 months and banned from driving for 10 years after he pled guilty to committing the offences on Saturday.
Christie, who Dundee Sheriff Court heard was addicted to the class A drug, admitted failing to stop for police in various streets in Dundee on January 26. He also admitted driving while unfit, disqualified and without insurance on the same date, failing to provide a blood test and possessing cocaine.
Depute fiscal Nicola Gillespie told the court police had received an anonymous tip-off at 5.15pm on Saturday that an unidentified male, who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol, had left a pub on Dens Road and entered the driver’s seat of a Vauxhall Corsa.
Ms Gillespie said: “Officers saw the car being driven west on Dens Road and followed it on to Arklay Street where they activated the patrol car’s blue lights.
“The driver turned west on to Fairbairn Street and on becoming aware of the patrol car behind him, accelerated up to approximately 50mph, passing parked vehicles on the other side of the road and squeezing past a stationary vehicle which was double parked.”
The court was told the vehicle turned on to North Isla Street where a pedestrian had to jump back on to the kerb to avoid the car,
Christie’s car then turned into Tannadice Street taking no account of pedestrians, give-way markings or other road users, including police officers who were on duty at the Dundee United game.
He continued down Sandeman Street, at which point the police officers switched their blue lights off and followed at a safe distance.
The pursuit continued until Graham Wynd, when Christie’s car collided with another vehicle.
Ms Gillespie said: “The accused turned off his lights and continued along Graham Wynd before stopping the vehicle and exiting from the driver’s door. “He was pursued and detained by the officers and gave a negative breath test.”
Christie was taken to police headquarters where he threw two small bags on to the charge bar, telling officers: “It’s cocaine.”
The bags and wraps contained 8.2 grammes of the drug, valued at £332.
Anne Johnston, defending, said her client had a “long-term cocaine addiction” and had been experiencing blackouts.
She said: “He was stressed and anxious and took more cocaine due to the paranoia.
“He states that he recalls trying to get away from police.
“He understands that your lordship could impose a custodial sentence, but I would ask in the circumstances that reports be called for.”
Sheriff Derek O’Carroll said: “I have listened very carefully to your solicitor and what she has said about your considerable difficulty with cocaine.
“You have pled to a number of very serious offences and there is no alternative to a custodial sentence.
“My sentencing powers are limited. Had you been prosecuted on indictment, my sentence would have been much greater.”