Bodycam footage has revealed the breathless moment a police officer, utterly exhausted after a dramatic foot pursuit, told a suspect: "Bloody hell, you can run." The incident, which unfolded in Nottinghamshire, saw a determined officer chase down a man through gardens and across streets before finally apprehending him.
The Dramatic Foot Pursuit
The chase began when officers from Nottinghamshire Police attempted to stop a vehicle. The driver, however, had other ideas and fled the scene on foot, leading to a high-stakes pursuit through a residential neighbourhood. The officer's body-worn camera captured the entire frantic event, from the initial sprint to the final, winded arrest.
In the video, the officer can be heard breathing heavily as he gives chase, navigating fences and obstacles. The suspect, identified as Jamie McDonagh, proved to be a surprisingly agile runner, forcing the PC to push his physical limits. The pursuit was not without its risks, taking place near homes and on public roads.
The Breathless Capture and Remark
After a sustained effort, the officer finally managed to close the gap and bring McDonagh to the ground. As he struggled to catch his breath while applying handcuffs, the PC uttered the now-viral line: "Bloody hell, you can run." The raw audio perfectly encapsulates the sheer physical exertion of police work in such situations.
The incident took place on February 15 of this year. Following the chase, 31-year-old Jamie McDonagh was arrested and subsequently charged. He faced charges for driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, and failing to stop for police.
Court Appearance and Sentencing
McDonagh later appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to all offences. The magistrates handed down a sentence that reflected the danger and illegality of his actions. He was banned from driving for a further 18 months and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.
In addition to the ban and community order, McDonagh was instructed to pay £85 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge. The case serves as a clear reminder of the consequences of attempting to evade justice and the daily challenges police officers face on the front line.
Nottinghamshire Police have used the footage to highlight the realities of frontline policing. A spokesperson stated that the video offers a genuine glimpse into the "physical demands and split-second decisions" officers routinely make to protect the public and apprehend offenders.
