Danger driver found with drugs and an axe in his car after police chase

Joshua Burroughs, who had drugs in his system, was at the wheel of a silver Peugeot on the evening of October 3 last year when he came to the attention of police in an unmarked car.

When the police sirens were activated, the 25-year-old, of Willows Close, Washington, who had a passenger in his car, tried to escape but was later apprehended when he approached a dead-end cul-de-sac.

Newcastle Crown Court heard during a search of the vehicle, officers found an axe, which Burroughs claimed was used to chop branches down for his dogs to carry when out walking them.

Prosecutor Mr Peter Schofield told the court: "The officers in due course put their blue lights on and pursued the defendant and it lasted for around four minutes around the Penshaw district.

"The area is generally residential - the road conditions were dry but the driving was dangerous and it fell below that of a sensible and competent driver.

"It involved crossing main roads without stopping, exceeding speed limits of 30mph zones, risking collision, and at one point causing two vehicles to pull over to avoid being in a collision.

"After being stopped, a bag of amphetamine was found which he admitted and a further bag was found in the boot area.

"A search of the vehicle found an axe in the passenger foot-well."

The court heard that Burroughs was "subdued" as he appeared under the influence of drugs.

A later blood test revealed he had traces of the amphetamine in his system as well as cannabis and cocaine.

Helen Towers, mitigating, told the court that the axe was there for a the purpose of his dog walks and that the chase wasn't high risk.

She added: "The court might wonder why he had an axe and a knife which was recovered.

"He cuts branches down for sticks for the dogs, it's as simple as that.

"He recognises that is something he isn't supposed to do and isn't going to do in the future.

"The defendant hasn't been in trouble since 2011, that is demonstrative of someone who knows how to behave despite an incredibly traumatic upbringing."

It was heard that Burroughs had a troubled childhood but managed to secure accommodation for himself at 18.

Burroughs, who has four convictions for five offences, admitted one count of dangerous driving, possessing a class B drug, possession of a bladed article, driving otherwise in accordance with licence, no insurance, and driving whilst over prescribed drug limit.

Passing down a total sentence of nine months imprisonment suspended for a year, Judge Robert Spragg said: "You didn't really say why you made the decision to drive.

"You panicked when you saw the siren.

"You could have few complaints if I decided to send you to custody."

As well as the suspended sentence, Buroughs given a rehabilitation requirement, three month electronically monitored curfew from 9pm-6am, disqualification for two years and subject to an extended test.

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