Former jockey sentenced after drink-driving through Newmarket at 90mph

Stephen Clancy is a work-rider in NewmarketCredit: Edward Whitaker

A former apprentice jockey, now employed as a work-rider in Newmarket, has been handed a suspended jail sentence for speeding through the town at 90mph in a 30mph zone.

Stephen Clancy, 42, of Edinburgh Road, Newmarket, admitted dangerous driving, drink-driving and failing to stop for police at Suffolk Magistrates' Court in Ipswich.

Clancy was handed a 14-week prison term, suspended for two years, with 40 days' rehabilitation activity. He was banned from driving for 20 months and will have to pass an extended re-test.

Inspector Gary Miller, from Bury St Edmunds roads and armed policing team, said: "Clancy's actions were highly irresponsible and he showed little or no concern for the potential impact of his actions, that could have caused complete devastation for other road users who were using the roads at the same time.

"On being seen by police, he tried to evade the officers, driving at up to 90mph in a 30mph limit, while almost twice the drink drive limit.

"It is incredibly lucky that no-one else was hurt or killed because of his selfish and dangerous driving."

Clancy was reported to have reached 65mph along Sackville Street, where a pedestrian had to press himself against a wall to avoid being hit.

He then entered Fordham Road and jumped a traffic light at the junction of Snailwell Road, before reaching 90mph in a 30mph zone, the court was told.

His three-minute getaway came to an end at the next roundabout, where his car clipped a kerb and crashed into a fence outside Tesco.

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Bruce JacksonReporter

Published on 2 March 2020inNews

Last updated 20:15, 2 March 2020

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