Man jailed following Police chase through Accrington
Ian Gilheaney was sentenced to two years and four months in prison
A man has been jailed for two years and four months after leading police on a chase through Accrington.
Ian Gilheaney, 26, of Rifle Street, Haslingden, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison on April 26, at Burnley Crown Court for dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without insurance, driving whilst disqualified and affray.
At around 11:45am on Friday, November 10, 2023, our officers signalled for the black Seat Ibiza, being driven by Gilheaney, to stop. Gilheaney didn’t stop. Instead, he drove off dangerously, leading police on a chase through Accrington.
Gilheaney drove through the back streets of Accrington, narrowly missing other motorists and pedestrians. He eventually stopped the car, and attempted to run off, but was soon caught up by our officers.
Gilheaney was arrested and later charged with driving whilst disqualified, dangerous driving, fail to stop and no insurance.
PC Oliver Rigby, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Road Crime Unit, said: “Gilheaney drove dangerously in attempt to evade police. It was a selfish act that could have had devastating consequences had he not been stopped.
“Not only did he risk his own life, but the lives of innocent motorists and passers-by, including children, who were innocently going about their day. The video below shows just how little regard he had for those around him, in his attempt to evade police.
“I welcome the custodial sentence handed down on him, and I hope this sends a clear message to those who choose to drive dangerously: we will catch you, and we will bring you to justice.” First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Hits Radio app.