Somercotes driver failed to stop for cops because he did not want to walk home

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard how Vernon Perry, 42, of Windmill Rise, Somercotes, Alfreton, was identified as driving a car with no insurance but he failed to stop for police.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop told the hearing on Tuesday, December 8: “Vernon’s Vauxhall Astra was spotted by police on Nottingham Road, Alfreton, and he was suspected of having no insurance.

“Police put on the their vehicle’s blue lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the Astra and despite repeated requests the defendant continued to drive.

“An officer pulled the police vehicle alongside the defendant’s Astra and indicated that he wanted Perry to pull over but he failed to do so and he was followed to his home where he parked and his vehicle was seized.”

Perry told police had gone to Alfreton to get things for his daughter’s birthday and at first he did not see the police car but then he decided to drive home with his kids because he did not want to walk home in sub-zero temperatures.

He also explained he had had the Astra for about a year and had never taken it for an MOT and the vehicle did not have insurance because he could not afford it.

Perry pleaded guilty to failing to stop for the police, using a vehicle without insurance and using a vehicle without an MOT certificate.

He told the court: “I accept what has been said. What I did was incredibly stupid. It shouldn’t have been done but it was.

“I’m very sorry. It would be stupid for me not to be sorry.”

Perry, who is dependent on benefits, was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge and a £150 courts charge.