A BRADFORD woman drove at double the speed limit to evade motorcycle-riding police officers after she performed a dangerous U-turn.

Anza Yasin, 33, failed to pull over after one officer pulled up alongside her car at a red light twice, and even tapped on her window.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Yasin had previously pleaded guilty to driving dangerously and possessing crack cocaine, as well as failing to stop and failing to provide a sample for testing.

It also emerged at the sentencing hearing that Yasin had taken cocaine that night, and this was behind her reason for fleeing from the police.

Prosecutor Miss Gilmore described in court how Yasin had been spotted driving a Vauxhall Corsa near Legrams Lane in Bradford, at around 10.30pm on May 2.

A police officer, who was part of an operation to monitor traffic during Eid, witnessed Yasin perform a U-turn in the road, which caused another vehicle to brake suddenly.

Despite the officer using his lights to indicate he wanted Yasin to pull over, and pulling up alongside the car, she failed to stop, the court heard.

The pursuit carried on along Thornton Road towards Bradford city centre, where the officer again pulled alongside at traffic lights, this time tapping on the window.

Yasin, of Horton Grange Road, ran through red lights, ignored no entry signs and drove on the wrong side of road. She also reached speeds that were double the 40mph limit.

A second officer joined the pursuit which turned onto Shipley-Airedale Road, but they were told to stand down so a stinger could be deployed to bring the car to a halt.

Yasin refused to give a sample to officers so they could check whether she had any drugs in her system, although a breathalyser showed no signs of alcohol consumption.

A small amount of cocaine was found in her handbag.

Mr Uttley, for Yasin, said she had taken cocaine, and it was in “a moment of pure madness” that she refused to stop for the police.

He said she was a key worker and also cared for family members.

“She is mortified to be sat in the dock and is terrified about the prospect of going to prison,” he added.

Yasin was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years. She must also carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and is banned from driving for two years.

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