A man has been jailed for two years and four months after leading police on a pursuit through Haslingden.
Ian Gilheaney (pictured), 26, of Rifle Street, Haslingden, was sentenced at Burnley Crown Court for dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without insurance, driving whilst disqualified and affray.
At around 11:45am on Friday, November 10, 2023, officers signalled for the black Seat Ibiza, being driven by Gilheaney, to stop. Gilheaney didn’t stop. Instead, he drove off dangerously, leading police on a pursuit through Haslingden.
Gilheaney drove through the back streets of Accrington, narrowly missing other motorists and pedestrians. He eventually stopped the car, and attempted to run off, but was soon caught up by officers.
Gilheaney was arrested and later charged with driving whilst disqualified, dangerous driving, fail to stop and no insurance.
PC Oliver Rigby, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Road Crime Unit, said: “Gilheaney drove dangerously in attempt to evade police. It was a selfish act that could have had devastating consequences had he not been stopped.
“Not only did he risk his own life, but the lives of innocent motorists and passers-by, including children, who were innocently going about their day. The video below shows just how little regard he had for those around him, in his attempt to evade police.
“I welcome the custodial sentence handed down on him, and I hope this sends a clear message to those who choose to drive dangerously: we will catch you, and we will bring you to justice.”
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