Makai Saddington, 18, who died in a crash on the A66 that killed two police officers, was awaiting trial on charges of racially abusing and assaulting officers. He was one of five men in a VW Passat that sped the wrong way along the A66 in Teesside.
Charges and court appearance
Saddington had been accused of assaulting Sgt Rooker of Cleveland Police and causing racially aggravated alarm or distress to Pc Chowdhury. He reportedly appeared before Teesside Magistrates' Court on July 17, with his case adjourned to a later date.
The teenager appears to have posted footage on social media showing him involved in other police chases, according to the Daily Mail.
The fatal crash
Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, were killed when the Volkswagen Passat struck their marked armed response vehicle. Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Saddington, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak were all pronounced dead at the scene in the early hours of Saturday (August 22), reports the Express.
Cleveland Police officers launched the pursuit after receiving intelligence relating to "numerous incidents" connected to a Passat. The vehicle had triggered an ANPR camera and is believed to have been fitted with cloned number plates, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Pc Blades and Pc Clough had not been involved in the original chase, but had been deployed to the area to assist in locating the vehicle.
Tributes and fundraising
Relatives paid tribute to former Civil Nuclear Constabulary officer Pc Clough, describing him as "our hero" who was "always on public duty". The father-of-two's family called him "our superhero" and said: "He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness."
In a statement issued by Cleveland Police, Pc Blades' wife called him "my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys". She said he was "an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle".
A fundraiser created by the Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday reached £228,000 early on Monday (August 24). Organisers said funds raised would be split equally between the two officers' families and the federation would continue to provide support. A second crowdfunder for the families had raised more than £27,600. On Monday, a silent prayer vigil will be held at St John the Evangelist Church in South Bank.
