Terrifying moment driver speeds 85mph the wrong way along highway shoulder revealed while being jailed for 16 months
- Kieran Philibin, 36, fled from police at high speed for 1.5 miles before escaping on foot.
- He was convicted of dangerous and drugged driving, and driving without insurance
This is the moment a hit-and-run driver, who has been jailed for 16 months, sped down the wrong side of a highway shoulder at speeds of over 85mph.
The motorist has been identified as Kieran Philibin, 36, who police say displayed a “loss of driving” on the M65 in Lancashire.
At around 8:30 p.m. on July 31, officers were searching Philibin’s blue Ford Fiesta, which was believed to have fake registration plates.
The Fiesta was seen by officers and Philibin did not stop.
A chase ensued in which the driver ran a red light and turned the wrong way at a roundabout and then the wrong way down the dual carriageway section of Princess Way towards junction 11 of the M65.
The Fiesta (circled) was seen by officers and Philibin did not stop. He then drove the wrong way down the highway at high speed.
Kieran Philibin, 36, was charged and convicted of dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without insurance and driving under the influence of drugs.
After engaging in more reckless driving, Philibin entered the M65 at Junction 11 and drove the wrong way down the slip road into oncoming traffic at a speed of 1.5 miles.
After stopping, Philibin and a passenger fled the scene.
The passenger was detained a short distance from the car and Philibin was arrested hiding nearby.
Philibin, of Samuel Street, Stockport, was charged and convicted of dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without insurance and driving under the influence of drugs.
He appeared at Burnley Crown Court and was sentenced to 16 months in prison and disqualified from driving for 5 years and 8 months. He must take a new extended test.
PC Anthony Beckett, of Lancashire Police Tactical Operations, said: “This was egregious driving committed by a man who was actively trying to evade arrest.”
“As shown in the footage, there were many motorists on the M65 that day who will have been shocked and terrified by Philibin’s reckless and selfish actions, which could easily have resulted in someone being seriously injured or killed.
“Such behavior will not be tolerated on Lancashire roads and we will do everything in our power to bring the perpetrators to court.”