County Durham danger driver took off from police with ‘sparks flying’ and exhaust ‘hanging off’

A County Durham dangerous driver took off from police and led them on a chase as sparks flew from his car exhaust that was hanging off.

Robert Woodcock hit speeds of up to 70mph in 40mph areas and drove down narrow country lanes with his headlights off in the early hours of March 24. The 21-year-old drove purposely over dusty and dirty areas of the road in order to obscure the view of the chasing officers and surrendered when a Taser was pointed at him.

Woodcock, of Oxford Street, Bishop Auckland, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Monday to be sentenced for dangerous driving, failing to stop, and driving without a licence.

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Andrew Finlay, prosecuting, said police went to the South Church Industrial Estate in County Durham shortly after 2am to search for a vehicle said to have been involved in fuel theft. He said: “Police located a vehicle being driven by the defendant and he accelerated away with sparks hitting the floor and the exhaust hanging off. A pursuit ensued and the defendant was swerving on the road.”

Woodcock was seen to be driving on the wrong side of the road and hitting speeds of up to 70mph in 40mph areas. He also drove the wrong way round a roundabout and momentarily lost control before making his way down a country road and turned his lights off. Mr Finlay said: He was driving through dust and dirt to obscure the officer’s view and he continued to drive at speed on a narrow, unlit country road.”

Woodcock, who had a passenger, finally lost control and crashed into a ditch, but he was still trying to drive off as officers approached his car. A Taser was drawn and he was then arrested, admitting the offences in interview.

Chris Baker, defending, said Woodcock was of “good character” and pleaded guilty at an early opportunity. He said: “He panicked when he saw the police car, he tried to escape being arrested…thankfully no injuries were caused.” He added that Woodcock had a “difficult childhood” and that the death of a close family member had had a “significant affect” on him.

Judge James Adkin, the Recorder of Durham, gave Woodcock an eight month prison sentence, suspended for two years and ordered him to carry out 30 rehabilitation days. He was banned from driving for 12 months and was made subject of a five month electronic curfew between 7pm and 7am, and must stay at an address in Ferryhill.

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