Washington biker took police on early hours danger pursuit

Corey Cronin, 21, of Coach Road Estate, Usworth, was one of two riders pursued by officers on the ground and in the air at 1.30am on Wednesday, September 18 last year.

But they turned their attention solely to Cronin when the other suspect abandoned his bike and fled close to the A182 Washington Highway.

Cronin continued on and at one point headed off road, before suddenly pulling over and getting off his machine, prosecutor Jonathan Moore said.

He then waited at the roadside for police pursuit vehicles to arrive, after realising he had responded to peer pressure to act illegally.

The first-time offender was spared jail by a judge, on the grounds he had stayed out of trouble since and the offence was committed over a year earlier.

Mr Moore said: “At 1.30am officers were on duty in the Washington area and looking for two motorbikes, with assistance from the police helicopter.

“The helicopter took over and the bikes were seen going the wrong way on the A182.

“One rider abandoned the bike and the defendant’s bike was followed. He drove off-road at high speed, described by police as dangerous.

“The helicopter followed, and the rider came to a stop in Coach Road Estate, and he was standing by the bike when police arrived. He was arrested.

“He made no comment to officers in interview. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage to property.”

Cronin pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

Robin Ford, defending, told the hearing: “He’s in court for the first time today.

“There are no previous convictions, so what possessed him on this night to do this is beyond me.

“It was peer pressure, and once the chase started, he couldn’t get out of it. After his friend left, he saw sense and stopped.”

District Judge Zoe Passfield sentenced Cronin to a 12-month community order, with 15 rehabilitation days and 100 hours of unpaid work.

She banned him from driving for 12 months, with an extended test requirement, and he must pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.