A driver who led police on a 120mph chase through Newcastle was stopped only after officers rammed his car in a tactical manoeuvre.
Connor Aitchinson, 28, of Newsham Road, Blyth, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, failing to provide a breath specimen, driving with no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Chase through Newcastle
Magistrates heard that Aitchinson was first spotted on July 11 in the Gateshead area in a vehicle flagged as "of interest". Christopher O'Brien, prosecuting, said the defendant cut in front of other cars, drove on the wrong side of the road and went through a red light.
"He was posing a serious risk to other people, so the officer activated his sirens and lights. The defendant then went the wrong way around a roundabout and was speeding and driving erratically," Mr O'Brien said.
The first officer abandoned the chase, and a second officer picked it up minutes later. Mr O'Brien added: "The defendant didn't stop. He was travelling in excess of 120mph. He travelled through another red light."
The second officer also had to abandon the pursuit. A third officer then took over after spotting Aitchinson's vehicle a short time later, with Aitchinson again travelling in excess of the speed limit, undertaking vehicles and travelling on the grass verge.
Forced to stop
Mr O'Brien said: "Because of the risk, the officer was forced to abort the chase. By now, the defendant was near Newcastle Airport and the police performed a tactical manoeuvre to stop him."
Police rammed Aitchinson's car to bring the pursuit to an end. He was arrested and, because he appeared drunk, was asked to provide a breath specimen, but refused. At the time, he was on a suspended sentence.
Court outcome
Stewart Hay, defending, said: "He has pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. The Probation Service have highlighted mental health problems. His mother is the only parent he's got. He's got mood issues and anxiety and depression."
Magistrates committed Aitchinson to Newcastle Crown Court for sentence on August 27. He was released on unconditional bail and given an interim driving ban.
