Fri Sep 20 13:41:00 UTC 2024: ## Drug Driver Jailed After High-Speed Chase in Sliders
Ellesmere Port, Cheshire – Stuart Whittaker, 40, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison and banned from driving for five years and eight months after a series of dangerous driving offenses.
Whittaker’s reckless actions included reaching speeds of over 90mph in a 30mph zone, driving the wrong way around a roundabout, and running red lights. On May 13th, police pursued Whittaker’s Volkswagen Golf as it sped through residential areas, exceeding 80mph in 30mph zones.
When police eventually caught up to him, Whittaker attempted to flee on foot – wearing only socks and sliders.
“Not only did Whittaker fail to stop for police officers on multiple occasions, but he also put the lives of innocent motorists and members of the public at risk,” said PC Steffan Cooling. “It is a miracle that no one was injured or even worse due to his dangerous actions.”
Whittaker, who only held a provisional license, was later found to have 212 micrograms of benzoylecgonine per litre of blood and 32 micrograms of cocaine per litre of blood, exceeding the legal limits by a significant margin.
The incident sparked amusement among police officers, with one commenting on Whittaker’s choice of footwear for his escape attempt: “Stuart, sliders are probably not the best footwear for this.”
Whittaker pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a license, and drug driving at Chester Crown Court. His sentence reflects the severity of his actions and the risk he posed to the public.
First Piper 