A MAN was caught driving double the speed limit on Christmas Eve and blamed his partner when he was caught.

Benjamin Stacey, 32 and of Verney Close, Bournemouth, raced away from police on two occasions whilst disqualified from driving.

According to Crown Prosecution Service sentencing notes, on December 24, 2021, PC Andrew Stone caught Stacey driving a Honda Civic whilst disqualified at 4.50am at the Mountbatten Roundabout, Bournemouth.

At 5.12am, Stacey spotted the police car and ‘accelerated harshly’ onto Francis Avenue, a two-way single carriage road with a 30mph speed limit.

PC Stone followed the defendant towards Knighton Heath Golf Club while driving between 60 and 70mph.

Stacey continued to dangerously change lanes before speeding through the golf club car park and stopping at the rear.

The officer then saw Stacey jump out of the driver's seat and into the passenger side, with his partner taking his place as the driver.

During his trial on May 11, 2022, where he was found guilty, the defendant accused police of ‘stitching him up’.

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Stacey was caught a second time for dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and having no insurance during another incident on February 23, 2022.

At 7.20pm that day, police were notified of a white Renault Megane driving along Wallisdown Road.

The car went down Ringwood Road, a dual carriageway, prompting officers to activate their lights and sirens.

Stacey approached the Alderney roundabout before accelerating away onto Dorset Way.

He sped past other cars, exceeding the speed limit, with his lights turned off.

Due to the dangerousness of the incident, the officer was forced to abort his pursuit.

During a second trial on November 29, 2022, Stacey pleaded guilty to all charges.

The defendant has 44 previous convictions from 126 offences, all relating to driving.

Judge William Mousley KC sentenced Stacey to two years and six months imprisonment and disqualification from driving for five years.