Driver found in pub after police pursuit

Hannah Rice, 33, of Binfield Close, Byfleet, appeared in Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday.

She had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a Class B drug (amphetamine), two counts of theft, failing to stop for a police officer, and dangerous driving.

Prosecutor Lucie Stoker said Rice had been found in a pub, following a police pursuit on September 21 last year.

Court records say she stole £150 worth of scratch cards from a Co-op in Horsham, and £75 worth from a One Stop in Horsham, and drove dangerously on the A24, the A283, and the B2135, before returning to the A24 and heading north to Capel.

She had pleaded guilty to the offences in magistrates’ court, and the case was sent to crown court for sentence.

However, Rice missed an appointment with probation officers on March 22.

Judge Jeremy Gold said he did not accept her explanation that she did not remember receiving a phonecall giving her the details of the appointment.

“With a considerable degree of reluctance,” he said, “I’m prepared to grant you further bail until the 29th of April.”

Rice is due to return to Lewes Crown Court to be sentenced on that day.

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