85mph drug driver escapes jail term

An off-licence owner has escaped jail after he admitted driving at speeds of 85mph through a residential area.

Naeem Shahid (36), of New Earth Street, Glodwick, was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty at a previous hearing to dangerous driving and possession of cocaine

Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, heard that Shahid, who runs an off-licence with his wife, jumped a red light and drove erratically for two miles before eventually stopping and running off.

When arrested, police uncovered a small bag of cocaine in his shoe, and traces of the class A drug in his system. They also found Shahid was not in possession of a valid driving licence or insurance.

Judge Roger Thomas QC said, “Anyone who drives like this, or with cocaine in their system puts everyone at risk.”

Earlier Ms Nicoletta Amatino, prosecuting, said that Shahid undertook vehicles in Park Road, Glodwick, and then started swerving in and out of traffic forcing drivers to take evasive action.

“He reached up to 85mph in a residential area, where the speed limit is 30mph. He then turned left on to a one way street the wrong way. He then got out and ran.”

Defending, Mr Paul McDonald said, “The defendant was remorseful afterwards.

“He simply panicked when he felt an officer had spotted him driving. “He was driving with some insurance but it wasn’t valid.

“This is a man who hasn’t flouted the law in some cavalier sense. He has learnt his lesson.
“He has some standing in the community. This is something he badly regrets.”

Shahid was also ordered to pay £300 costs.