A POLICE officer had to jump out of the way to avoid a dangerous driver who was travelling at 80mph in a 30mph zone.
Martin Gowenlock has been spared jail after his driving endangered motorists and pedestrians in Bournemouth.
The 34-year-old pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failure to provide a breath specimen after the incident around Cunningham Crescent in October, 2022.
According to prosecution notes from the CPS, Gowenlock drove his BMW dangerously around Cunningham Crescent and surrounding roads for a prolonged period.
The husband and father was reported for driving at 80mph in a 30 zone and on the wrong side of the road.
At one point, a police officer was forced to jump to safety when he tried to approach the defendant’s vehicle. Gowenlock then drove away “aggressively”.
Police pursued him for at least 15 minutes before he was forced to stop at the bottom of a dead end and arrested.
Gowenlock, of Throop Road in Bournemouth, had his sentence at Bournemouth Crown Court deferred from February to July 7.
He had been asked to “put his money where his mouth is” and prove he could remain sober and not reoffend.
Defence barrister Lucy Conroy told the court how Gowenlock had complied with each direction ordered by Recorder Hannah Willcocks KC.
She said the defendant had engaged fully with the probation service, held down full-time employment in adult care, and remained alcohol free.
Ms Conroy said: “Mr Gowenlock was extended an opportunity to put his money where his mouth is.
“I hope your honour sees he has repaid that trust the court put in him by complying with each direction.”
Sentencing, Recorder Willcocks KC said: “I gave you the chance to show me the person presented to me in February was the person you wanted to be.
“You have shown me you could do all you said you could do.”
She also recognised Gowenlock’s motivation “to change [his] alcohol issues” came from a desire to be a better father.
Gowenlock was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He was also banned from driving for three years.
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