A driver in North Wales reached speeds of up to 167 mph during a police pursuit before crashing and attempting to flee the scene, a court heard. Daniel Tunstead, 35, of Widnes, Cheshire, lost control of a BMW on February 23 shortly before midnight after police tried to stop the vehicle for suspicious driving.

Authorities had been alerted to the car’s erratic behavior and followed it onto the A55 near Bangor. Prosecutor Catherine Elvin told Mold Crown Court that despite officers using blue lights and sirens, Tunstead accelerated first to 100 mph and then to speeds comparable to those seen in Formula One racing. The vehicle left the dual carriageway at Llanfairfechan, ultimately colliding with a lamppost, after which Tunstead and his two passengers fled on foot.

Tunstead was apprehended approximately 200 yards from the crash site. Subsequent tests revealed he was driving under the influence of cannabis and without insurance. At the hearing, Tunstead pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, drug-driving, and driving without insurance.

Judge Nicola Jones criticized Tunstead's reckless behavior, emphasizing the danger posed not only to himself but also to his passengers. She remarked on the severity of his actions and expressed concern over his apparent disregard for traffic laws.

In mitigation, defense counsel Amy Edwards noted that Tunstead has secured employment at a body repair shop. The judge sentenced him to eight months in jail, suspended for 12 months, and imposed a three-year driving ban.