A father of three from Perry Barr has been given an extended driving ban after leading police on a high-speed pursuit reaching 60mph through Birmingham.
Jabulane Mpayang, from Pendragon Road, denied driving dangerously after fleeing officers who approached his black Vauxhall Astra on 10 August last year. The vehicle had been parked in the middle of the road with its lights on and door open when police spotted it.
Mpayang, who has a previous conviction for dangerous driving, sped through city streets before being caught on Woodcock Lane in Acocks Green. During the incident, he failed to stop for police and later attempted to evade arrest on foot after jumping from his vehicle outside a petrol station.
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At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 21 September, Mpayang was handed a suspended sentence and an 18-month driving ban. The lead magistrate cautioned him about the seriousness of his actions, stating he was fortunate not to have caused a fatal accident.
Mpayang pleaded guilty to driving without a licence and insurance but contested charges of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police. After a trial on 20 July, he was found guilty of the contested charges.
Prosecutor Tillita St Juste described the incident: “Police saw a dark Astra in the road with its door open and lights on. When approached, the defendant drove off at speed, reaching 60mph, driving erratically before stopping at a petrol station. Following this, he fled on foot but was promptly arrested.”
The 44-year-old has prior convictions amounting to seven offences, including dangerous driving, with his failure to stop considered an aggravating factor.
Defence counsel highlighted Mpayang’s personal circumstances, including his responsibility for three children, his unemployment, and a serious back injury. It was noted he has no significant convictions since 2010 and expressed a commitment to work with probation services.
Sentencing, the magistrate remarked: “Dangerous driving is a serious offence. Your conduct was worsened by your failure to stop and lack of insurance. You are lucky no one was harmed.”
Mpayang received a five-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and a community order for one year. He was also ordered to pay £650 in court costs and a £154 surcharge. His driving ban is set for 18 months, after which he must pass an extended driving test before being allowed to drive again in the UK.