VIDEO: Jail for 'coward' driver who crashed in 90mph police pursuit

A RECKLESS motorist who led police on a high-speed chase and then left his girlfriend stranded in the car as he fled on foot after crashing into a tree has been jailed for 12 weeks.

Jack Mason was branded a “coward” by Judge Gary Burrell at Southampton Crown Court after he was convicted of dangerous driving and failing to stop.

The 28-year-old, of Shakespeare Drive, Totton, had tried to claim he was not the driver, even though his DNA was found in the car.

Sending him down, Judge Burrell said: “You ran off like a coward into the night leaving your passenger and not knowing whether she was injured, seriously injured or worse.”

The court heard Mason was driving his girlfriend’s Audi A1 during the early hours of 1st January when he was spotted speeding on Salisbury Road, Totton, by police in an unmarked car.

Officers signalled for Mason to stop but the Audi did not, and a chase ensued.

While being tailed by the officers, Mason drove at speeds of up to 90mph through the streets of Calmore and Totton.

The pursuit lasted more than six minutes, ending when Mason lost control of the Audi and crashed into a tree.

Mason fled the scene, leaving his girlfriend – who suffered minor injuries – in the car. Forensic investigations linked Mason to being in the driving seat.

He was charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and driving without insurance, but denied the offences and the case went to a trial at Southampton Crown Court. He was found guilty on all counts.

Defence counsel Chris Gaiger, said his client, a fencer by trade, had been working as a loft insulator latterly and looking after a friend’s seriously ill son.

During the time of the offences Mason had problems with his mental health as well as alcohol and crack cocaine, which he was now addressing, Mr Gaiger said.

However, during the barrister’s mitigation, Judge Burrell cut him off and pointed out Mason had chosen to plead not guilty and instigate a trial.

The judge branded that decision “crazy” and said it was the reason he would not consider delaying the case for probation reports or allowing Mason to keep his liberty.

“It’s too late now,” Judge Burrell said, adding the evidence against Mason had been “overwhelming” and he was being jailed for Christmas.

He also banned Mason from driving for 18 months and said he will have to take an extended retest before being allowed back on the roads.

After the sentencing, Hampshire police released footage of Mason’s driving that was taken by the pursuit vehicle.

PC Richard Miell, from the Joint Roads Policing Unit, said: “The footage clearly shows just how dangerous and reckless Mason’s driving was.

“He showed absolutely no consideration for anyone else on the roads, including his own girlfriend who was in the car with him.

“Driving at such ridiculous speeds, especially on the narrow residential roads of the New Forest, could have easily resulted in someone being seriously injured or killed and he is incredibly lucky that he doesn’t have to live with that on his conscience."