Chopper chase for South Tyneside dangerous driver who sped wrong way on roundabout
Northumbria Police called in the chopper to chase down a dangerous South Tyneside driver.
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.
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 curb.
Pursuit ends when car hit an abandoned vehicle
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.
He committed the dangerous driving crime while subject to a 24-month crown court suspended sentence for offences including robbery and threats with a blade.
Cook has now been remanded into custody and could have his suspended jail term activated when sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday, May 20.
Ms Houston said: “Officers saw this defendant’s car on Prince Edward Road. Their attention was drawn as there were two previous issues with it.
“The car made off from officers and was located soon afterwards in King George Road, and it sped off again, driving at excessive speed.
“It overtook and went the wrong way around a roundabout. It had a deflated tyre though it is not known when that happened, and was sliding on the road.
“It drove into Underhill Road, where it hit a curb, deflating another tyre. The defendant exited the vehicle and was found in a rear garden.
“He was identified as the driver and there was a clear smell of cannabis.
“He made multiple statements to officers, saying that he was not a disqualified driver and should just have pulled over.”
Guilty plea to three charges
Cook pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.
The court heard provided a blood sample which is currently being tested for cannabis.
He has six previous convictions from 19 offences, including for driving without due care and attention and no insurance.
His suspended sentence was imposed in February 2025, when he was jailed for 24 months, suspended for the same period.
Joanne Gatens, defending, said Cook’s car was the only vehicle damaged and that there had been no damage to property.
She asked magistrates to grant him bail and conceded his case should be sent to the crown court.
Mrs Gatens added: “He has a settled address, it’s his mum’s address, she’s in court. I would invite you to grant him bail.”
Magistrates imposed an interim driving ban on Cook, ordered reports and warned him there was a “real prospect of immediate custody” at the crown court.