A banned teenage motorist drove the wrong way down a major arterial road as he sped from police in a stolen Toyota.
Levi Giovanni Smith, 18, took the Toyota Avensis from a home near Scarborough and added false numberplates.
He then drove it at speeds of more than 80mph as it weaved in and out of traffic and overtook vehicles on the A1079 towards York.
As the Toyota hurtled towards York chased by police, Smith began to overtake “when there was no room to do so” and across solid white lines prohibiting overtaking, said prosecutor Kelly Clarke.
“His driving forced other road users to take evasive action to avoid a collision,” she told York Crown Court.
She said that Smith was “forcing his way between cars to escape police” and travelling at speeds of up to 80mph in a 50mph zone. As the chase reached Dunnington on the outskirts of York, the Toyota was travelling at speeds of over 80mph in a 40mph zone.
As he approached the Grimston Bar roundabout in York, Smith “forced the Toyota between cars” and crashed into a Vauxhall car driven by a named woman, causing damage to the Vauxhall’s wheel arch.
He then drove the wrong way around the roundabout and had to brake sharply to avoid heavy oncoming traffic.
He then drove the wrong way down the A64, on the eastbound carriageway heading west. He then abandoned the vehicle on the A64 and ran into a field.
“He was chased by police and eventually gave himself up,” said Ms Clarke.
He was taken into police custody and charged with aggravated vehicle-taking and causing a road-traffic collision while driving dangerously, as well as driving while disqualified and without insurance.
Difficult childhood
Smith, of Lynwith Lane, Carlton, near Selby, admitted the offences, which occurred on 31 March, and appeared for sentence yesterday (Monday), after being remanded in Holme House prison.
The prosecution outlined Smith’s criminal record which included dangerous driving, taking a vehicle without consent, driving without insurance and a licence and making off without payment which ultimately resulted in a 12-month driving ban.
His rap sheet also included affray and possessing an offensive weapon.
Last month, he was jailed for two years and three months at Teesside Crown Court for robbery and assault. Those offences post-dated his latest driving matters in York and Scarborough.
Simon Walker, for Smith, said the teenager had endured a difficult childhood and had mental-health issues.
Recorder Patrick Palmer jailed Smith for eight months, which he will serve in addition to his current prison sentence. He was also given a 25-month driving ban.
