High-Speed Chase Ends in 12-Month Driving Ban for the Reckless Newton Aycliffe Teen

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A 19-year-old from Newton Aycliffe has been banned from driving after leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase through residential streets. Billy Dinsley fled from officers in his silver Volkswagen when they attempted to pull him over for speeding.

The pursuit took place on December 14 at around 2 pm, with Dinsley speeding along Horndale Avenue, Greenfield Way, and Middridge Road. The chase lasted approximately five minutes and involved reckless driving, including overtaking on blind corners and driving on the wrong side of the road.

At Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court, Dan Hill, prosecuting, detailed the serious nature of Dinsley’s actions, noting the high risk to public safety. Dinsley was admitted to dangerous driving, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance.

Defence lawyer Ben Pegman revealed that Dinsley was experiencing a mental health crisis during the incident. “He was in the middle of a mental health crisis,” Pegman said. “His cousin died in a motorbike accident last July, and he has been struggling to come to terms with that. He also had the breakdown of a three-year relationship and was struggling with that at the same time. This resulted in his idiotic driving, he says so himself. He has now recognised the error of his ways.”

Despite the severity of the offence, the court chose not to impose a prison sentence. Professor Ian Neal, chairman of the bench, sentenced Dinsley to a 15-month community order. This includes 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Professor Neal stressed the dangers involved in the chase. “We don’t like car chases, it’s all very well saying sorry now, but the risk to the public is immense during a car chase, never mind the risk to yourself,” he said. He also warned Dinsley that driving while disqualified would lead to imprisonment.

Dinsley received a 12-month driving ban and was ordered to pay £199 towards court costs.