Police assaulted in 9-hour chase (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Police assaulted in 9-hour chase

A 41-YEAR-OLD man admitted leaving a trail of destruction and assaulting four police officers after a nine-hour chase in North Gloucestershire when he appeared before Gloucester Crown Court.

Simon Clark, of no fixed address, was at the wheel of a 4x4 vehicle during the prolonged incident between the B4632 in Winchcombe and New Road, Southam. He admitted 16 offences related to the incident last Friday.

There were seven charges of damaging property and one of destroying property during the incident on January 21 this year, dangerous driving, four charges of assaulting police to resist arrest, theft, destroying property and driving without a licence.

Giles Nelson, defending, requested a psychiatric and pre-sentence report for his client.

"This spree was the culmination of events that is related to mental health issues." he said. "They are stress related issues."

Judge Jamie Tabor QC told Clark: "These offences are very serious but I want to know more about you before I sentence you on June 2. Until that date you will be remanded in custody."

At an earlier hearing Cheltenham magistrates heard that Clark was arrested after police cars and the force helicopter were involved in the chase through Winchcombe and the surrounding villages of Gretton, Teddington and Toddington.

Three police cars were damaged during the incident and four officers suffered whiplash injuries in collisions with the 4x4.

A wall in the hamlet of Stanley Pontlarge was destroyed and the 4x4 allegedly driven by Clark ploughed through churchyards in Gretton and Winchcombe.

Two 18th century gravestones in St Peter's Church, Winchcombe, were also smashed.

Almost nine hours after the incident was first reported to the police a suspect was arrested in Teddington after reports of windows being broken and a pump at a petrol station being vandalised.