Reading Magistrates' Court: Thatcham motorist could face jail for wild danger drive

A MOTORIST led police on a wild, high-speed chase through Thatcham.

Other drivers were forced to take evasive action as the 26-year-old careered through red lights and drove on the wrong side of the road.

The pursuing officers were handicapped by fears for public safety, Reading magistrates heard on Tuesday, April 12.

Christian Pretlove, of Park Avenue, Thatcham, later turned himself in at Newbury police station, the court was told.

Adam Yar-Khan, prosecuting, said police initially tried to make Mr Pretlove pull over on Northfield Road, Thatcham, activating their blue lights and sirens.

But Mr Pretlove not only refused to stop – he sped off at speeds of up to 70mph.

Mr Yar-Khan added: "He drove round another oncoming car and drove round an oncoming police car in a continuing bid to escape.

"There were pedestrians on both sides of the road in a fairly built-up area."

At one point Mr Pretlove slowed down, the court heard, only to hit the accelerator again, continuing to crash through red lights and to drive on the wrong side of the road at times.

The chase continued along the A4 Bath Road, the court heard, with the pursuing officers trying to keep pace while minimising the risk to pedestrians and motorists.

Meanwhile other drivers were forced to take evasive action, magistrates were told.

Mr Yar-Khan said: "He continued to drive through red lights, making dangerous manoeuvres."

Police gave up the chase, having identified the car owner via licence plates and Mr Pretlove later turned himself in at the police station.

He admitted driving a Land Rover Discovery dangerously on September 29 last year.

Mr Yar-Khan urged magistrates to send the case to the crown court for sentencing by a judge with more powers of punishment than themselves.

But Adonis Daniel, defending, urged magistrates to retain jurisdiction, reminding them they could impose up to six months immediate imprisonment if they chose.

He pointed out that his client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had no previous convictions.

In addition, said Mr Daniel, there had been no injuries and no collision resulting from Mr Pretlove's driving.

He predicted that his client would receive less than six months imprisonment upon being sentenced and that, because of his previous good character, this would likely be suspended anyway.

Magistrates agreed to retain jurisdiction and ordered pre-sentence reports.

However, they specified that the reports should be prepared with all sentencing options, including custody, in mind.

Mr Daniel said: "He is well aware that custody remains an option."

The hearing was adjourned for sentencing at a later date.

Mr Pretlove was meanwhile granted unconditional bail.