Disqualified driver handed jail term and extended driving ban

A disqualified driver who drove dangerously through residential streets in Corby after failing to stop for police officers has been sentenced to 10 months in prison and banned from driving for more than five years.

Officers from the Force’s Roads Policing Team spotted Lee Annand driving a grey VW Jetta as he entered the Oakley Hay roundabout after visiting the nearby services at about 10.50am on Sunday, May 12, this year.

The officers activated blue lights and sirens to indicate for the driver to stop, however instead of pulling over the 35-year-old accelerated and drove off at speed along Oakley Road towards Corby.

As Annand approached the roundabout junction with Danesholme Road and Lewin Road, his driving became more reckless as he ignored a keep left sign and drove the wrong way down a dual carriageway.

At the next roundabout junction, Annand turned into the Oakley Vale housing estate, where he reached speeds of up to 60mph in the residential area, before running away from the car in Dolver Close.

After hiding in a residential garden, Annand handed himself in to officers and he was arrested before being subsequently charged with failing to stop when directed, driving dangerously, driving while disqualified and without third party insurance.

On Monday, May 13, at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the charge of failing to stop when directed was withdrawn, but Annand admitted the other three offences and was remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing at the county’s crown court.

A month later (June 14) at Northampton Crown Court, Annand, of Cedar Gate, Manning Road, Northampton, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for a further 66 months and 37 days. He must also pass an extended driving test.

Arresting officer PC Lloyd Mason of the Roads Policing Team said: “We see the devastating effects caused by those who have a total disregard for the sanctions imposed by the courts and continue to get behind the wheel after being disqualified.

“Lee Annand knew he was not entitled to be driving and his actions not only showed utter contempt for the authorities but also a complete disregard for the safety of himself and other innocent road users, who were forced to take evasive action due to his selfish behaviour.

“Reducing the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads continues to be a priority for our team, and so I am pleased that the courts have helped to remove another irresponsible and illegal driver from our roads.”

Tragically in 2023, after being involved in a road collision in Northamptonshire, 29 people never returned home safely to their loved ones, and 271 required urgent medical assistance for serious and life-changing injuries.