See moment danger driver from Sunderland crashes into patrol car after 100mph police chase

Stephen McCabe had refused to pull over the stolen Mini Cooper and reached speeds in excess of 100mph in a 40mph zone on the A184 Felling bypass in the early hours of July 2.

Newcastle Crown Court heard police vehicles, with lights and sirens blaring, were stationed at a roundabout in an attempt to bring the 33-year-old to a halt before he could cause harm.

The court heard that McCabe’s driving could have ‘very, very easily have killed others and, of course, yourself’.

Prosecutor Jolyon Perks told the court: "Police vehicles stationed themselves at the roundabout in order to prevent the defendant from using the roundabout to avoid the police and make his way back in the direction he came.

"As the defendant applied the brakes he was travelling far too fast.

"He lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle at that point collided with a stationary police vehicle parked at the roundabout.

"As a result, an occupant of the vehicle, a PC, suffered minor injuries. The police vehicle was written-off as a result of the damage caused by the actions of the defendant."

The court heard McCabe, who has a long criminal record which includes previous driving offences, was taken to hospital with injuries after the collision.

McCabe, of St Banabas Square, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

Mr Recorder Anthony Kelbrick sentenced him to 12 months behind bars with a three year road ban and extended test requirement.

The judge told him: "In your desire to get away you were driving so fast you couldn't possibly stop and collided with a police vehicle, writing it off, slightly injuring the officer and slightly injuring yourself.

"Your actions could so very, very easily have killed others and, of course, yourself."

Tony Cornberg, defending, said McCabe has "started to show signs of wanting to change" and has sought professional help with his problems.

Mr Cornberg said McCabe, in his own words, has said "I want to sort my head out and be a normal person" and added: "He could have killed people and indeed himself."

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