Jul 09 - Man Jailed Following Midnight Police Chase Across Town
A local man was told he was lucky no one was injured during a high speed car chase which was the climax of an anti-smuggling operation.
Lee Cruz Parry was given six months in prison, and a year-long suspension on his driver’s licence on his release from jail, at the Supreme Court earlier today, in relation to an incident which took place on 9th August 2013.
According to Prosecutor Mark Zammitt, officers pursued Cruz Parry after receiving a cigarette haul tip-off. When officers approached the defendant at Cornwall’s Parade, he drove off up Governor’s Street and down to Line Wall Road. Police officers tried to stop Cruz Parry but instead of stopping he swerved his car towards them and they had to move to avoid being hit by his vehicle.
The Crown heard there was a police car chase, and a police car formed a blockade down Smith Dorrien Avenue. Cruz Parry mounted the curb and left his car in Laguna Estate, running into Casemates Square where he was arrested.
Lawyer Daniel Benyunes told the Crown his client was remorseful for his actions, and it was due to his financial circumstances that he was involved in the cigarette trade. He explained that Cruz Parry had been unemployed for the past five years, but was looking forward to a new beginning following his release.
Puisne Judge Karen Precott told Cruz Parry: “Your actions could have potentially been very dangerous.
“You were lucky there were no mothers with prams, young children or elderly on the pavement when you mounted it to avoid the blockade.”
Cruz Parry will serve six months for one count of dangerous driving, and his licence has been suspended for the other count of dangerous driving. There was no separate penalty for failing to stop.
He will be sentenced for a related charge for possession and illegal transportation of 50,000 cigarettes at the Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
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