Speeding driver Joshua New refused to pull over for police

A dangerous driver hit speeds of up to 80mph in a 30mph zone when he tried to escape police in Telford this week.

Joshua New caught the attention of officers in Dawley at around 12.10am on Tuesday (February 25).

The 29-year-old, who was driving a white Nissan Juke while disqualified, sped off from officers and refused to pull over.

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He reached speeds of between 60mph and 80mph in a 30mph zone during the police pursuit.

New then dumped the vehicle in Chiltern Gardens in Dawley, before making off down Dawley High Street on foot.

Officers were unable to locate him at first but, following number of enquiries, they were able to quickly identify New as the driver and arrested him later the same day (February 25).

New, of Crown Street, Dawley, was charged with driving a vehicle dangerously, two counts of driving whilst disqualified, two counts of driving with no insurance, and failing to stop for police.

He was remanded in custody and appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court yesterday where he pleaded guilty to all six charges.

New was sentenced to 12 months behind bars and handed a 41-month driving ban.

The judge also ordered him to retake his driving test once the driving ban finishes.

PC Jack Jackson of West Mercia Police said: “New’s driving on Tuesday was extremely dangerous.

“Especially when you consider the high speeds reached in such a residential part of Telford.

“New was aware that he was driving whilst disqualified and his willingness to engage in such risk taking to evade capture is something that caused us great concern.

“This was a team effort and if it wasn’t for the commitment of all members of the team, we couldn’t have achieved such a result in such a short space of time.

“I hope yesterday’s sentence serves as a warning that we will work tirelessly to ensure any person who fails to comply with the requirements of the law, and/or places others in danger in doing so is put before the courts.

“New’s actions on that evening could have had tragic consequences given the lack of care for the safety of others and himself.

“I am grateful that the judge has clearly acknowledged our concerns and has handed out an appropriate sentence.”