Drink-driver took police on high-speed chase through Castleford before smashing into young couple's car

A drink-driver who took police on a chase through a Castleford housing estate at more than double the speed limit before smashing head-on into a car has been jailed.
The Corsa (left) and the Clio after the crash.The Corsa (left) and the Clio after the crash.
The Corsa (left) and the Clio after the crash.

Joseph David Dunnill had been driving a Renault Clio when he overtook a police car at speed on Colorado Way at around 11.30pm on July 3 last year.

The 30-year-old then made off, chased by the officer, before losing control of the Clio, spinning it around and then coming to a stop.

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When the police reached the scene, the defendant then mounted the pavement to get away and the chase continued.

Prosecutor Heather Gilmore told Leeds Crown Court today how the officer pursued him at speeds beyond 60mph in 30mph zones and said the officer was struggling to keep pace with the Clio.

The Clio then collided head-on with a Vauxhall Corsa on Savile Road being driven by a young male driver with his girlfriend in the passenger seat.

Dunnill, of Little Church Lane, Methley, was left trapped in his vehicle while the two victims were able to free themselves.

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When the police arrived, Dunnill was heard shouting: "What have I done?"

All three were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Dunnill was found to have 97 mlgs of alcohol in 100 mls of blood. The legal limit is 80 mlgs.

A victim impact statement from the female passenger of the Corsa was read out in court in which she said she was suffering from anxiety as a result of the crash.

A probation report into Dunnill heard that he was suffering from "poor emotional health", was in debt and was drinking heavily and taking cocaine and cannabis.

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He had driven to a pub that night and drank on his own and despite having every intention to leave his car, inexplicably decided to drive.

He claims he could not remember the chase or the collision.

The court was told he is a HGV technician and has since sought help for his problems.

Dunnill, who has no previous convictions, admitted a charge of drink driving and driving dangerously.

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Judge Tom Bayliss QC said: "Clearly you are a hard-working man with a responsible position.

"That's one side, I'm afraid the other is that you committed a very serious offence.

"Dangerous driving can have terrible consequences, not just for the person who is driving, risking a collision, but also to other members of the public and the police.

"In this case, the courts can't overlook behaviour like this. Those who put others at risk must expect to go to prison."

He sentenced Dunnill to 10 months and banned from driving for 29 months, telling him he must pass and extended driving test to get his licence back.