This dash cam footage shows a convicted robber taking police on a high-speed chase through residential streets in a stolen car.
Michael Wright, who has numerous past convictions for dangerous driving, was jailed for 64 months in December 2020 after he robbed That Bet bookies, in South Shields, while armed with a machete. On that occasion, the 36-year-old made off with thousands of pounds in cash but was snared after he dropped a Poundland receipt at the scene.
Wright was released after serving half his sentence for that but proved he couldn't say out of trouble for long after he led police on a dangerous pursuit through South Shields in a stolen Ford Fiesta. Newcastle Crown Court heard that, during the course of the chase, Wright travelled at high speeds in residential areas without headlights or side lights on before smashing into four parked cars.
The hapless crook, of Hudson Street, in South Shields, then attempted to hide in a bush but was soon tracked down and arrested. He later failed a roadside breath test, which gave a reading of 67mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when the legal limit is just 35mcg, and was found to have a knuckleduster in his pocket.
Wright is now back behind bars after he was not only recalled from his original 64-month sentence in 2020 but also jailed for 10 months for aggravated vehicle taking, possession of an offensive weapon and obstructing a police officer. He was also banned from the roads for three years, a disqualification which will start when he is released from prison.
The court heard that the owner of the stolen Ford Fiesta noticed it was missing from the driveway of his home shortly before midnight on February 6 this year. A few hours later, at 2.30am, officers spotted the car being driven through Whiteleas, in South Shields.
Neil Pallister, prosecuting, said Wright then took police on a high-speed pursuit along Whiteleas and other residential roads, where he was seen to swerve through parked cars, before he crashed into four stationary vehicles and fled on foot. However, he was found hiding in a bush nearby.
Mr Pallister added: "The defendant initially told officers he was Dean Wright and gave the wrong birth date. When searched, he was found to have a knuckleduster in his trouser pocket. He appeared under the influence and a roadside breath test was conducted."
The court was told that Wright was taken to hospital and later a police station, where his true identity was revealed. His appalling record of 63 offences, including for robbery, dangerous driving, taking a vehicle without the owner's consent and burglary, was also unearthed.
In a statement, the owner of the stolen Fiesta said: "This had a financial impact upon me. I need a car to get about. I need it for shopping and to look after my daughter and family."
Vic Laffey, defending, said Wright had initially progressed well upon his release from prison by passing a forklift truck driving licence, finding employment and getting his own accommodation. Mr Laffey added: "Unfortunately, the bombshell came when his employers did background checks and saw his past convictions and he lost his employment.
"He lost his employment. He disengaged with Probation and things just went from bad to worse. He then finds himself in a stolen car and, when police appear, rather than just wait where he was and getting charged with theft of the car, he drives off and ends up in a much worse position than he would have."
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