Serial motoring offender jailed

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A serial motoring offender has been jailed for three and a half years.

Kevin Cassidy, 31, from Antigua Street in north Belfast, drove a stolen Audi A4 along a footpath during a police chase last September.

The judge told Cassidy, who has clocked up 128 road traffic offences, he had shown a "total disregard for the law".

Cassidy admitted handling stolen goods, dangerous driving, driving with no insurance while disqualified, as well as possession of cannabis.

Belfast Crown Court was told Cassidy was seen driving the "high-powered stolen vehicle" along the Crumlin Road on the morning of Saturday 23 September last year.

A prosecution barrister said Cassidy performed a U-turn and despite being followed by police officers, who deployed lights and sirens, he continued to drive before mounting a footpath.

It is clear you have something of a career out of driving stolen vehicles in a dangerous manner whilst disqualified Judge McReynolds His car struck a wall and continued along the Crumlin Road for about 50 yards before coming to a stop, the barrister said.

Cassidy tried to flee but was apprehended by officers who restrained him in handcuffs after he struggled during arrest, the court was told.

A defence barrister admitted his client had "an atrocious record" and revealed that after leaving school, Cassidy fell into "delinquency, drink and drugs".

He also spoke of Cassidy's "fascination with cars that has brought him before the courts".

The judge told Cassidy: "It is clear you have something of a career out of driving stolen vehicles in a dangerous manner whilst disqualified.

"In doing so, you are putting at risk the lives of innocent pedestrians and other road users who were going about their Saturday morning business on this occasion."

In addition to the prison sentence, Cassidy must have 12 months of post-custodial supervision for driving dangerously.

He was also ordered to serve a concurrent 18-month sentence for handling stolen goods, a concurrent 10-month sentence for driving whilst disqualified and a concurrent two-month sentence for possession of cannabis.

He was also fined £500 and banned from driving for 10 years.