Dangerous driver stopped thanks to NPAS help

We like to pull out all the stops when it comes to taking dangerous drivers off our roads.

That’s why we enlisted the help of the police helicopter (NPAS) during a pursuit in Bishop Auckland last October.

John Ashley Bentley, along with a 17-year-old pillion passenger, sped along pavements, went the wrong way around roundabouts and took their helmets in a bid to evade pursuing police motorcyclist PC Simpson.

At one point PC Simpson rode alongside the bike in his bid to end the pursuit but instead of stopping, the officer was kicked out at.

The pair went off-road down a farm track thinking they had got away from officers on the ground but they clearly didn’t realise they were being watched by our eyes in the sky.

The NPAS team were diligently following the duo, directing officers to them, and even went one step further when the tactical flight officer sprang into action and alighted the helicopter to help detain them.

Realising the game was up, both teenagers were arrested and taken into custody.

Bentley, of St Helen Auckland, was charged with dangerous driving, drug driving and having no licence or insurance.

The 18-year-old appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Friday (March 14) where pleaded guilty to the offences.

He was given an interim driving disqualification and is due to appear for sentencing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on April 10.

His passenger, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with aiding a dangerous driver, assaulting an emergency worker and driving with no licence or insurance.

The teenager is due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on April 11.

PC Simpson said: “Time and again we see riders who think they are untouchable when they blight our community with their selfish, dangerous driving.

“In this case, both occupants of the bike have found themselves being prosecuted and the tactics used in this pursuit are an example of the lengths we will go to deny criminals use of the road network.

“We also hope it will reassure the genuine bikers that motorcycle-related crime is a priority for us here in Durham and we are grateful to our colleagues at NPAS for their continued expertise in helping us bring criminals to justice.”

NPAS Regional Operations Manager, T/Insp Phil Emmerson said: “Our crews are part of a coordinated policing response, dedicated to disrupting criminal behaviour and protecting the public.

“They have a unique overview of situations, from the air. In this instance, the officer in the crew was able to act quickly and decisively to ensure the suspect was detained and reduce any further risk to himself or members of the public.

“This case is an important reminder to those who commit crimes or cause danger on our roads that the police have a range of tactics and will coordinate their resources to ensure offenders are arrested.”