Machete-carrying drug dealer jailed after e-bike pursuit

WATCH: Drugs, a machete AND dangerous driving? "Yes, you are 100% going to prison." 

One in prison, and one bike in the crusher.

A machete-carrying drug dealer who fled from police on an e-bike has been jailed for three years.

Police were called on September 21 following reports that a man had been threatened with a machete while walking his dog on Hutton Avenue, in Darlington.

Bobby Duxfield made off from the scene on a Surron e-bike, refusing to stop for police as he rode around the town at high speeds, narrowly missing pedestrians and other traffic.

A pursuit was authorised, coordinated by the Force Incident Manager in our control room, with officers from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit and response taking to the ground.

Assistance was also sought from the National Police Air Service who tracked Duxfield as he rode through the town, directing officers on the ground to his location.

The bike was stung and stopped on Tornado Way, where Duxfield was arrested and a large machete was seized, along with cocaine, and £1,320 in cash.

The Surron was also seized and has since been crushed as part of Operation ORB – a new Durham Constabulary policy which sees all off-road bikes and illegal e-scooters ridden antisocially or involved in crime being crushed, permanently removing them from the streets.

Duxfield, of Darlington, was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply, dangerous driving, carrying an offensive weapon in a public place, driving otherwise than accordance with a licence, driving without insurance, and failing to stop for police.

Following an investigation by Darlington CID, the 21-year-old admitted the offences and appeared at Teesside Crown Court today (October 22) where he was jailed for three years.

He was also banned from driving for three years.

Chief Inspector Sarah Hindmarsh, from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit, said: “This is a great result in getting a dangerous drug dealer off our streets, and highlights our commitment to tackling the illegal and antisocial use of these bikes.

“Duxfield’s riding was absolutely appalling. He put other road users and pedestrians at serious risk – it is only by chance that nobody was seriously injured, or worse, killed, as a result of his actions.

“Thanks to the work of our officers, control room staff, and NPAS, we were able to safely stop Duxfield and bring him into police custody.

“I hope this serves as a warning to anyone involved in criminality who rides e-bikes dangerously and illegally that we will catch you, crush your bike, and bring you to justice.”

A 17-year-old boy was also arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and possession of criminal property.

He pleaded not guilty to the offences and will go on trial in November.