A MAN from Wales has pleaded guilty to numerous offences after a police chase through south Warwickshire.
John Ward, age 22 of Pyle in Bridgend, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop, driving without a license, driving without insurance, failing to stop after a road accident and dangerous driving.
The pursuit started on Friday (Apri 6) after Ward and another man stole three mobile phones from Tesco’s on Parade in Leamington at around 9am. The vehicle was then sighted on Europa Way where it failed to stop for police.
Ward was pursued down Banbury Road and the Fosse Way before he and another man abandoned the vehicle after crashing into the fence of a house in Moreton Paddox.
Following a search involving police dogs and a helicopter, and several calls from the public, the pair were arrested near Walton Hall Hotel.
Ward entered the guilty plea on Saturday (April 7) at Warwick Magistrates Court and will be sentenced at Warwick Crown Court on May 10.
The other man, aged 18 and of no fixed address, was cautioned for theft from a shop.
PC Pete Hayes said: “Ward behaved with complete disregard for pedestrians and other road users. It was lucky nobody was hurt or worse.
“The conviction was the result of excellent police work with support from the public. Several calls from members of the public helped us to locate the two men near Walton and arrest them. I’d like to thank them for their support.”
