Man was grieving for his brother

Feb 15 2008 by Chloe Griffiths, Liverpool Daily Post

A DRIVER who led police on a high-speed chase across Liverpool city centre was mourning the anniversary of his brother’s murder.

James Clayton, 32, ignored traffic signs, drove into oncoming traffic, and ploughed over reservations during the chase early on July 26.

But, Liverpool Crown Court heard he was in an emotional state as he marked the sixth anniversary of his brother Richard’s death.

Richard Clayton was shot by a masked killer in Aigburth on July 26, 2001. No-one has ever been charged.

Judge Bruce MacMillan placed Clayton, who had no previous convictions, on a two-year community order with supervision, ordered him to attend the Think First programme, disqualified him from driving for two years and ordered him to pay a £150 fine.