Driver clocked speeding at 121mph on busy dual carriageway is jailed

Robert Atkinson came close to causing a catastrophic collision after speeding along the A189 Spine Road on the evening of March 23 last year.

Atkinson endangered the lives of other road users, reaching almost twice the legal speed limit.

His dangerous actions behind the wheel were seen by police who saw him speed over the Moor Farm Roundabout.

Moments later, Atkinson almost caused a serious collision while travelling in excess of 100mph – with the 30-year-old slamming on the brakes, resulting in sparks flashing from the underside of his car.

After narrowly avoiding crashing into another vehicle, he was arrested after officers from the Force’s Motor Patrols department safely brought his car to a stop.

Atkinson, of Ashington, was subsequently placed under arrest.

Last week, Atkinson admitted dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

A judge sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment and banned him from driving for three years and nine months.

Speaking after the case, PC Kevin Paskin, of Northumbria Police, said: “There is little doubt that Atkinson could have killed somebody that night.

“He reached speeds of up to 121mph on a 70mph carriageway, showing a total disregard for other road users – and it is sheer luck that he managed to slam on the brakes just in time to avoid smashing into the back of another vehicle.

“Our roads are not race tracks and the law is not optional.

"Quite frankly, he should be ashamed of his actions and proved he cannot be trusted to be behind the wheel of a car.

“I am pleased that the severity of his actions have been recognised with a jail term, and hope he uses this time to seriously think about the potentially life-changing consequences that his actions could have on others.

“We will continue to do all we can to ensure dangerous drivers are taken off our roads and rightly brought to justice.”

Anyone who sees somebody driving in a dangerous manner should report it to police by calling 101. People can also upload dashcam footage directly to the police’s website.