Teen driver crashed into Peterborough building during police chase
He's been given a suspended sentence
Last updated 8 hours ago
A disqualified driver has avoided jail after crashing into a building during a dangerous police chase in Peterborough city centre.
Mohammed Halani, 19, sped away from police in an Audi S3 on 24 May.
The teenager failed to stop for officers on Lincoln Road and drove dangerously through a busy area, ignoring road signs and bollards.
Police slowed down behind him to create more distance due to the number of pedestrians nearby, but Halani continued driving dangerously before crashing into a building on Westgate.
Two people had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit. No one was injured.
After the crash, Halani ran from the scene, through Queensgate shopping centre, and tried to hide in a restaurant in Cowgate.
CCTV operators helped officers find him sitting at a table in the restaurant, where he was arrested.
Halani, of Audley Gate, Netherton, admitted dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without insurance.
He was sentenced at Peterborough Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (28 July) to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, 15 days of rehabilitation activity and has been disqualified from driving for two years.
PC Martyn Chapman said: “This was a shocking incident that could easily have been far worse.
“Halani narrowly missed multiple pedestrians when he collided with the building on what was a busy Sunday over a bank holiday weekend.
“A matter of milliseconds was the difference between at least two people being seriously injured – or worse. It is remarkable nobody was hurt.”