Teenager Jailed After High-Speed Night Chase Through Whitehaven

Peter Thompson, 18, has been sentenced to one year and nine months in custody after admitting dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, having no insurance, possessing cannabis and receiving stolen goods. The stolen item was the Honda CBR1000 motorbike he was riding.
Prosecutor Tariq Khawam told the court that Thompson came to the attention of police on October 27 when he was seen riding a motorbike at night without lights. Officers in an unmarked patrol car attempted to stop him as he headed towards Cleator Moor.
Instead, Thompson made off at speed, embarking on what was described as a dangerous and reckless journey. He went through two red traffic lights, overtook vehicles inappropriately and at times mounted the pavement.
The chase took place on several roads in the Whitehaven area, including the A595, Inkerman Terrace, Flat Walks, Lowther Street, Irish Street, Strand Street, Duke Street, Queen Street and Wellington Row.
Police caught up with Thompson a few days later when he was found at his home on Irish Street in Whitehaven.
The court heard that despite his young age, Thompson already had an extensive criminal record. This included five previous dangerous driving offences, six offences for driving while disqualified and three convictions for taking vehicles without consent.
A defence barrister said Thompson had experienced an extremely difficult upbringing and now wanted to clear the decks and move forward.
Judge Michael Fanning said that although Thompson was legally an adult, turning 18 did not automatically result in adult behaviour. He described Thompson’s record as significant for someone of his age and noted that the latest offences were committed while he was subject to a suspended sentence.
The judge acknowledged that a pre sentence report described Thompson as amiable and friendly, but said he acted impulsively, struggled with authority and sought thrills without thinking about the consequences. While custody should be a last resort for young offenders, Judge Fanning said a prison sentence was necessary to protect the public.
In addition to the custodial sentence, Thompson was disqualified from driving for just under six years and must pass an extended driving test before being allowed back on the road.
As the hearing concluded, Judge Fanning told him that people wanted to help him, but he needed to help himself and stop acting in a self destructive way.