Driver jailed after two high speed chases

Ishtiaq Rashid was on bail at the time of the offences after he threatened to behead a fast food restaurant manager and racially abused a police officer.

Leeds Crown Court heard Rashid was involved in a 30 minute pursuit after police spotted him speeding on Soothill Lane, Batley.

The 29-year-old then drove his Audi across south Leeds, reaching speeds of up to 80mph in residential areas.

He also drove the wrong way around roundabouts and on the wrong side of the carriage.

Rashid also switched his headlights off during the chase, which started around 10pm on January 31 last year.

He eventually crashed his vehicle on Little Church Lane, Methley, Leeds and tried to run off but was caught by officers.

On February 26, Rashid was involved in another police chased while driving a hire car in Wakefield.

Officers followed Rashid along Denby Dale Road. The chase ended when Rashid turned into a cul-de-sac.

Helen Chapman, prosecuting, said Rashid had been abusive to a member of staff at a Subway restaurant in Rotherham in September last year.

Rashid then contacted the manager the next day and made threats to him. Miss Chapman said Rashid told him: “I’m going to behead you in your store. I’m going to take your head off your shoulders.”

The-father-of-two also shouted racist abuse at a police officer while he was being held at Dewbury police station following an incident in November.

Rashid, of Hawthorn Avenue, Batley, pleaded guilty to two offences of dangerous driving, harassment and racially aggravated harassment.

Andrew Dallas, mitigating, said Rashid had been stressed over deaths in his family.