A drug dealer who led police on a high-speed chase through Moray’s biggest town has been jailed for more than two years.
David O’Donnell, 36, accelerated to speeds of 50mph as he drove through Elgin in an effort to evade officers.
When he failed to shake them off, he skidded on to the grounds of Anderson’s Care Home in Institution Road and jumped out of the vehicle and clambered over a wall.
When he was finally detained officers discovered he had cocaine with a street value of almost £18,000.
O’Donnell admitted dangerous driving and speeding at 50mph in a 30mph zone when he appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court yesterday.
O’Donnell, who appeared from custody, also admitted being involved in the supply of cocaine from a property in Elgin’s Maisondieu Road and elsewhere.
Sheriff Marion McDonald said she had “no alternative” but to jail him and sentenced him to 28 months and 14 days.
He was also banned from driving for three years.
The drama unfolded on Monday, October 19, when officers noticed O’Donnell’s car being driven erratically along the A96 Inverness-Aberdeen road, near the Oakwood Cookery School on the outskirts of Elgin.
Police flashed their blue lights and signalled for him to pull over, but at that point he sped towards the town.
Footage captured by the police car’s onboard camera showed O’Donnell swerving into the face of oncoming traffic as he overtook several vehicles, including a large tanker lorry.
Fellow motorists were forced to veer out of his path.
Fiscal Kevin Corrins said: “The accused eventually drove into Anderson’s Nursing Home, which is beside East End Primary School.
“He scaled a wall and attempted to run away but was caught before he got far.
“Officers later examined his bag and found £1,200 in £100 notes, and 242 grams of cocaine.
“If sold in individual deals, that amount could generate up to £17,900.”
The court heard that O’Donnell had become addicted to cocaine while working as a taxi driver and at the height of his habit spent £700 on the drug every week.
