Teen Driver Claims Ignorance Despite Police Chase and Flashing Lights

A teen sped over bumps, his car’s wheels leaving the ground, as police were chasing him. He claimed he didn’t see them. The judge spoke at Swansea Crown Court, saying roads see too many careless drivers and courts often handle serious results, including injuries or even deaths. He warned, “The road is not a playground.”

On September 2nd, police saw two speeding cars near a Swansea junction. An officer turned on his blue lights and started chasing the cars.

After a bridge, the speeding cars split. One kept going on the main road. The other, a VW Polo, turned. Nicolas drove the Polo down Courtney Street, with the police officer in pursuit. The Polo bounced over speed bumps.

Nicolas drove around a roundabout the wrong way. The officer lost sight of the Polo, but another officer stopped him later. Nicolas said he dropped off a friend and claimed he didn’t know police were following.

Christopher Nicholas, 19, admitted to dangerous driving during sentencing. He had no prior convictions.

His lawyer spoke of Nicholas’ background and family issues. Nicholas now has a job and committed no crimes before September 2024. The lawyer asked to avoid jail time, noting car insurance will be costly after a conviction and it may be years before Nicholas drives again.

Judge Walters spoke about reckless drivers, saying courts often deal with the consequences. He said the teen was young and panicked but rejected the claim of unseen police chasing. He added that if there was racing evidence, it would change the judgement. “The road is not a place to play around,” he repeated.

Nicholas received a 12-month community order and a 12-week curfew. He is banned from driving for a year and must pass an extended driving test. The judge wished him luck finding insurance, told him to obey the ban and to pass the test, adding saving for insurance is key.