A teenager drove the wrong way down a slip road during a police chase after breaking into a family home while the occupants and their two-year-old child were asleep upstairs. Mohammed Syeed Ali, 19, of Ninth Avenue, Heaton, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to burglary, dangerous driving, and other offences at Newcastle Crown Court.
The court heard that Ali let himself into the property and stole the keys to a Seat Arona. A neighbour heard the car leave and alerted police. Officers pursued the vehicle but called off the chase when it travelled the wrong way down a slip road on the Coast Road. Police later executed a tactical stop by ramming the vehicle, and Ali was detained after fleeing on foot.
Prosecutor Neil Pallister said Ali drove at speeds of up to 67mph in a 30mph zone and continued driving the wrong way around a roundabout. Recorder Mark Giuliani described the burglary as a 'horrendous breach' of the family's safety and noted that Ali was fortunate not to have caused a fatal accident.
Defence lawyer Jamie Adams said Ali, who had been in care since age five, had recently become a father and wanted to turn his life around. The Recorder gave Ali a suspended sentence, saying it was his 'one opportunity' to become a positive contributor to society.
Ali was sentenced to 21 months in prison, suspended for 24 months, and disqualified from driving for three years. He must also complete 300 hours of unpaid work, 30 rehabilitation days, and a 16-week programme.
