A reckless driver rammed a police car at 56mph and reached speeds of 120mph during a high-speed chase on the A69 in Northumberland. Thomas Burn, 36, of Stanley Crescent, Wylam, struck the officers' vehicle as they tried to pull him over, nearly hitting the central reservation before speeding off.
Chase Details
Burn weaved across the dual carriageway at 120mph, then turned onto the A68, taking blind corners at speed while oncoming cars approached. Police described his driving as "appalling." He eventually stopped near Kiln Pit Hill but resisted arrest and attempted to grab an officer's Taser.
Drugs and Charges
Burn refused a roadside drug swipe and later refused to provide a blood sample. Cannabis and amphetamine were found in his Vauxhall Insignia. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to provide a blood specimen, obstructing a police officer, and drug possession.
Previous Convictions
Burn has 19 prior offences, the last in 2019 for possessing a knife. Magistrates deemed their sentencing powers insufficient and committed him to Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing on July 15. He was granted unconditional bail and an interim driving ban.
