'I panicked' says fail to stop driver

Max Ruddock had been driving his mum’s black BMW when a PC caught it exceeding the speed limit and overtaking other cars in Platt Street, Wigan, at around 8.30pm on January 18.

Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court heard how the officer then activated his emergency equipment and followed the vehicle.

Tess Kenyon, prosecuting, said: “The PC came within view of Ruddock as he was held up by traffic.

“So he drew up behind the vehicle which had four occupants in it.”

But Ms Kenyon told the hearing that Ruddock then “fully accelerated at speed” and the officer lost him.

However, police later spoke to his mum who said Ruddock was driving her car.

A few days later, police then caught up with Ruddock who admitted failing to stop.

He also said he knew he should have stopped but “panicked” and drove off when one of his friends in the car said he had cannabis.

Ruddock, of Whitewood Close, Ashton, who appeared in court unrepresented, said: “I panicked when I was told that.

“I thought the police officer was going straight past me but he come behind me and then I panicked,

“If this situation happened again, I would make sure I stopped.”

Ruddock pleaded guilty to failing to stop a mechanically propelled vehicle when required by a constable.

Saying it was a “lesson he’d learn from”, justices handed Ruddock a fine of £157, court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £32.