A driver who led police on a dangerous 80mph chase which left children running to safety has appeared in court.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how Ryan Hellens’ potentially-deadly driving forced children playing in a Sunderland street to flee to safety.
Stuart Michie, prosecuting, told the court how on November 1 last year, Hellens drove a Suzuki Jimny 4X4 around the city.
Hellens, 22, drove the car down Hylton Road, Holborn Road and Front Road, in the South Hylton area of Sunderland.
Mr Michie told the court how Hellens led police on a three-minute chase at speeds of up to 80mph.
He said: “Children playing in the streets were having to run for safety.”
Hellens, of Ferndene Crescent, Millfield, pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving.
The case was adjourned until later this month to allow for pre-sentence reports to be drawn up.
Hellens was released on unconditional bail until his next court appearance.
The judge, Recorder Tim Hirst, told him: “All of the sentencing options will be available when this case is sentenced.”
As first seen on the Sunderland Echo – http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/crime/children-flee-manic-driver-on-road-1-4995963
SR4U 