Danger driver narrowly avoided hitting pensioner during high speed police chase

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A dangerous driver who was already banned from the roads almost knocked over a pensioner during a police chase at more than twice the speed limit.

Elias Gray should not have been behind the wheel at all but was spotted by police in Ashington, Northumberland driving too fast.

Officers activated their blue lights and sirens to indicate for him to pull over but he accelerated away at speed.

Matthew Collins, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: "He failed to stop and began driving and not only at speed but with considerable danger to both pedestrians and other road users.

"He drove down the centre of North Seaton Road, forcing vehicles on both sides of the carriageway to take evasive action."

The court heard Gray reached up to 70mph on North Seaton Road, which has a 30mph limit.