A driver who sped off from the police and went along the wrong side of Harpenden High Street has been freed from prison.
John Kinsella, 47, was sentenced to 32 weeks in jail on Friday, May 15, but he was released because of the time he has spent on remand.
Kinsella, from Luton, was driving a green Citroen that was being pursued by the police after another man had been shop-lifting in Marks and Spencer, St Albans crown court heard.
He drove the car at 50mph on the wrong side of the road when the High Street was busy at around 4.15 in the afternoon of July 10, last year.
After turning into a school entrance, he struck the bumper of the police car and was arrested. He told the police: “I am disqualified at the moment.”
Kinsella of Chiltern Gardens, Waller Avenue, Luton appeared for sentence via a video link from Bedford prison.
He had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, having no insurance and a bail offence.
Defending, Andrew Kerry said Kinsella had spent 16 weeks and one day in custody on remand. He asked for credit for Kinsella’s guilty plea.
Judge Nigel Lithman QC sentenced him to 32 weeks, meaning that he will be released.
The judge told him: “If you wish to go back to prison, it is a matter for you.” Kinsella said: “Thank you, your honour.” He told prison staff: “I am going home.”
