A motorist who turned the streets of Tyneside into his personal race track has been handed a prison sentence after a high-speed police pursuit reaching a staggering 130 miles per hour.
Dean Watson, behind the wheel of a powerful BMW M140i, embarked on a terrifying chase that put countless lives at risk. The incident, which unfolded on the afternoon of October 3rd last year, saw Watson flagrantly ignore the rules of the road and the safety of the public.
The Reckless Pursuit
Northumbria Police officers first noticed the black BMW being driven erratically on the A185 in South Shields. What followed was a prolonged and exceptionally dangerous game of cat and mouse. Watson accelerated to ludicrous speeds in a blatant attempt to evade capture.
His route took him through densely populated urban areas, including:
- Reaching 130mph on the A194 Leam Lane: A road with a standard national speed limit of 70mph.
- Hurtling through a 30mph zone at 80mph: Demonstrating a complete disregard for residential safety.
- Running red lights and overtaking on solid white lines: Manoeuvres that could have easily resulted in a fatal collision.
The pursuit only concluded when Watson abandoned the vehicle on Heatherdale in Sunderland and attempted to flee on foot. He was swiftly apprehended by determined officers.
Justice Served at Newcastle Crown Court
Appearing before a judge at Newcastle Crown Court, Watson, of no fixed abode, faced the consequences of his actions. He pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving and driving without insurance.
The court heard how his driving was not merely careless but "prolonged, deliberate, and dangerous". In light of the extreme risk he posed to the public, the judge sentenced him to 12 months behind bars. He was also banned from driving for three years and seven months.
Police Condemn "Appalling" Driving
Following the sentencing, Northumbria Police welcomed the court's decision. A spokesperson for the force condemned Watson's "appalling standard of driving," emphasising that it was "nothing short of a miracle that nobody was seriously injured or killed" as a result of his selfish actions.
This case serves as a stark warning that the courts and police will come down hard on those who treat public highways as their personal racetrack. The sentence reflects the seriousness with which the justice system treats such flagrant endangerment of life.
