Jail for driver who ignored friend clinging to bonnet

Stuart Bradshaw took the keys to David Brady’s Vauxhall Cavalier while staying at his home after a night out drinking.

Mr Brady dashed outside in his dressing gown when he saw Bradshaw reversing the vehicle from its parking spot in College Grove View, Wakefield, and tried to open the door without success.

He then ran to the front and jumped on the bonnet. Patrick Gallagher, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown court yesterday that as Bradshaw drove off Mr Brady was shouting at him to stop and clung on frightened if he fell off he would go under the wheels.

It was only when the vehicle finally slowed at a corner that he felt able to roll off, suffering cuts and bruises on his arms and legs as a result.

Police officers alerted about the incident spotted the vehicle in Foundry Road and gave chase, with Bradshaw reaching speeds up to 60mph before eventually giving himself up.

Bradshaw, 26 of Chequers Close, Pontefract, was jailed for 16 months and disqualified for three years after admitting taking the vehicle without consent, dangerous driving, assaulting Mr Brady, failing to provide a breath test, and having no insurance or appropriate licence.