Helicopter joined chase for driver fleeing the police

A South Tyneside danger driver sped the wrong way around a roundabout and drove with two deflated tyres while fleeing from police, a court heard.

- by Gareth Crickmer

A police helicopter was involved in the pursuit.

Casey Cook, 21, drove off in his black Vauxhall Corsa when approached by a motor patrol unit in Prince Edward Road at the Nook, South Shields.

Officers called in grounds' backup and the Northumbria Police helicopter was also summoned as the offender made off along Sunderland Road on Monday, April 20.

Prosecutor Jade Houston said Cook, of Arnold Street, Boldon Colliery, was driving with one deflated tyre and burst another as he hit a kerb.

The pursuit ended when he abandoned his vehicle in Underhill Road, near Harton, and ran off into a rear garden, borough magistrates were told.

Police dogs were called in and he was arrested after being found hiding, telling police he had “panicked” and should have pulled over.