Drug-driver fled police on foot over six M6 lanes

A drug-driver who fled on foot across six lanes of the M6 in a police chase has been jailed.

Daniel Lucas, 41, hit speeds of 140mph in his Jaguar XF while evading police between junctions 36 and 35, south of Kendal, on 2 July at about 19:30 BST.

Cumbria Police said Lucas "hurled a glass bottle and other items" out of the window before fleeing his car and crossing the M6. He was later found by thermal imaging used by the air ambulance, hiding in a bush.

Jailing Lucas for a year at Carlisle Crown Court, Judge Michael Fanning described him as "selfish" and said it was "just a matter of luck" nobody was injured.

The court heard how the provisional licence holder accelerated away from officers after they attempted to stop his car while driving southbound on the M6.

He hit speeds of 140mph, including 120mph through lane-restricted road works, prosecutor Brendan Burke said.

Lucas pulled into a service road before failing to stop at a T-junction and smashing into a barrier.

After jumping down from a bridge and crossing the M6, he hid in bush, the court heard.

Lucas, who had two previous drug-driving offences on his criminal record, was found to be over the legal cannabis limit.

He admitted dangerous driving, drug-driving and having no insurance, while defence barrister Anthony Parkinson admitted Lucas, a father, was guilty of a "very poor piece of driving".

Lucas, of Sefton Road, Heysham, must serve a three-year driving ban when released from custody and pass an extended re-test before securing a full driving licence.

"You conducted yourself in a shocking way," the judge told Lucas. "The public are most at risk from offenders who drive in this way.

"A disproportionate number of people were put at risk by your selfish decision to conduct yourself in the way that you did."

He added nobody was injured "but that just a matter of luck".

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