Drunk solicitor is 100mph police chase

A TRAINEE solicitor in Ipswich was chased by police for almost an hour in a drunken car pursuit, a court heard.Matthew Flynn had passed his law degree and was working voluntarily in local law firms when he drove his Jaguar at high speeds and more than twice the legal drink-drive limit.

A TRAINEE solicitor in Ipswich was chased by police for almost an hour in a drunken car pursuit, a court heard.

Matthew Flynn had passed his law degree and was working voluntarily in local law firms when he drove his Jaguar at high speeds and more than twice the legal drink-drive limit.

Flynn, 32, of Devlin Road, Ipswich, admitted he had been out drinking with friends before he decided to drive home on February 21.

He pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving and drink-driving at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday (Friday).

Police first caught sight of Flynn at the junction of London Road and Ranelagh Road at 1.30am on the Saturday morning, speeding and swerving on the road.

The officer flashed his lights at him but rather than stopping Flynn drove the car on at 100mph in a 40mph limit said prosecutor Michael Crimp.

Mr Crimp said: "The officer noticed he was weaving from side to side and he went through a red light at 80 mph."

Flynn got onto the A14 and drove around Ipswich before coming back in on Sproughton Road.

Mr Crimp added: "He went onto the wrong side of the road and it became clear to officers he was having severe difficulty in controlling the car."

When Flynn reached the Westerfield roundabout on Henley Road he started reversing at speed towards the police car behind before driving off again at high speed.

Finally he was stopped on Henley Road and a breath test showed 102 mcg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath - the legal limit being 35mcg.

Flynn's solicitor Marc Connatella said: "My client knows precisely what powers this court has. He is utterly remorseful for his actions.

"This is a tragedy for this man as he will have to take a different course of action regarding his career because of this event."

Mr Connatella then pleaded with the judge to take into consideration Flynn wedding on September 4.

Mr Fenn said: "You drove for a distance of eight miles on roads that I know well. You drove at speeds of up to 120mph at through at least three red lights.

"This was an appalling piece of driving. It is a tragedy for the defendant but it is a tragedy of his own making."

Judge Peter Fenn sentenced Flynn to nine months in prison for drink driving and dangerous driving. He also disqualified Flynn from driving for three years. He ordered Flynn serve up to half the sentence meaning he could be out in time for his wedding.