A JUDGE has questioned the safety of police car chases after a motorist sped through central Oxford on the wrong side of the road.

Mark Everitt was jailed for dangerous driving after leading four police cars on a pursuit through St Aldate’s, High Street and Cowley Road.

At the hearing at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, Judge Christopher Compston considered whether there would have been any dangerous driving had the police not pursued the 27-year-old, although CCTV appears to show Everitt speeding before being chased.

Judge Compston said: “There is a school of thought which wonders why the police do so behave, because people might have been killed because of the chase.”

Tim Boswell, defending Everitt, replied: “Had he not been chased there would have not been any dangerous driving.” Judge Compston nodded in agreement.

Prosecutor Nikki Duncan said Everitt, of no fixed address, was out of prison on licence having been jailed for three years for robbery when he was spotted by CCTV driving a Vauxhall Corsa with stolen plates in Hythe Bridge Street on September 15.

After being tailed by a British Transport Police car through Oxpens Road, Speedwell Street and on to St Aldate’s, a total of four marked police cars joined the convoy as Everitt entered High Street on the wrong side of the road, narrowly avoiding a pedestrian and cyclists.

After speeding down High Street, Everitt, whose girlfriend was in the passenger seat, rounded The Plain on the wrong side of the road before weaving through traffic on Cowley Road. He hit a VW Polo in Oxford Road, Cowley – both cars were written off.

Everitt, who has 13 previous convictions for 39 offences including wounding with intent, robbery and a string of motoring offences, admitted dangerous driving and driving without insurance. He has yet to pass his driving test.

Mr Boswell, defending, said his client had recently learned he would become a father for the first time and said: “I accept it’s a bad case of dangerous driving, but equally one can imagine worse cases, particularly in terms of consequences.”

Jailing him for 10 months, Judge Compston told Everitt: “You could well have killed somebody and, as well you know, if somebody is killed by dangerous driving people go inside for five or six years.

“It is about time you grew up. You say you are turning the corner. I would not bet on it. But I certainly won’t scupper your chances.”

Everitt was banned from driving for 15 months and must take an extended test before gaining a licence.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “When pursuits like this occur, tactics are continuously monitored and reviewed by the pursuing police officer, traffic sergeant, radio operator and control room inspector, balancing the public interest in arresting the offender and the danger to the public.”