said he fled because he was nervous.

Ian Mullings of Granaway Heights Road, Southampton pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to speeding at 64 kph, failing to stop for Police, and dangerous driving.

Prosecutor Sgt. Phil Taylor said yesterday that Police saw Mullings traveling west near the junction of Middle and South Roads, Southampton around midnight on August 8.

A motorcycle officer gave chase and caught up with Mullings near Granaway Heights Road, said Sgt. Taylor.

Mullings reportedly turned around and looked at the officer and then sped away at speeds reaching up to 85 kph.

Mullings' flight came to an abrupt end when he collided with a tree near Whale Bay.

"Well, I know I was wrong,'' Mullings, 22, told Senior Magistrate Will Francis yesterday. "I did sustain an injury -- it made me think about what happened.'' When Mr. Francis asked what led people to go to such "crazy'' lengths, Mullings said: "I didn't actually go crazy. I was just nervous. The Police were behind me and there was a loud noise.'' "That made you run away and risk yourself and maybe risk killing other people?'' asked the magistrate.

"I guess so. I was just nervous,'' Mullings answered.

Mr. Francis ordered Mullings to pay $200 for speeding, $100 for failing to stop, and $300 for dangerous driving.

Mullings was also banned from driving all vehicles for one year.

ACCIDENT AC