Andrew Melrose, 22, faces consequences after a high-speed chase and driving under the influence in Culcheth. Fire service career is in jeopardy.
Police then stopped the car on Warrington Road to talk to Andrew Melrose, the 22-year-old driver from Culcheth. A woman was in the car with him.
Melrose told officers he had one drink, but police records showed no insurance. He claimed a temporary policy, then sped off before the breath test. A police chase followed.
The court heard he drove 80 mph in a 30 mph zone and across solid white lines on Warrington Road in Culcheth. The prosecutor said serious injury could have occurred if another car was present.
Melrose eventually stopped the car and was arrested, leaving the female passenger very upset. A roadside test showed he was nearly twice over the limit, with 58 micrograms of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath.
Police searched the car, found cannabis and a grinder, and confirmed no valid insurance policy. His defense lawyer called his actions foolish, saying Melrose made an impulsive choice and ruined his dream of joining the fire service after almost being accepted previously.
The defense lawyer argued that Melrose is not beyond redemption and can recover. The court took a half-hour to decide sentencing due to the serious nature of his actions.
The judge called it dangerous driving, speeding, and taking the car without permission. He stated, “You were drunk, uninsured, and failed to stop. These actions are criminal.”
Melrose avoided jail despite his crimes, receiving 36 weeks, suspended for two years, 150 hours of unpaid work, and ten days of rehabilitation activity. He cannot drive for two years and must retake an extended driving test.
“You are very lucky today,” the judge told him, warning that any crime within two years would lead to jail. The court ordered destruction of the cannabis and Melrose must pay £272 in court costs.
The judge gave Melrose another warning, reminding him how close he came to prison. He said there are two doors in the court: one to freedom, the other to jail, and breaching the suspended sentence guarantees the latter.