Coked-up Amazon worker drove like “absolute idiot” in high-speed police chase

An Amazon worker who was high on cocaine during a police chase on the wrong side of a dual carriageway smashed his way through a blockade on two punctured tyres, Sheffield Crown Court heard.
By Tim Cunningham
Published 8th Jan 2021, 12:30 BST
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Charlie Goodwin accelerated away after a police officer flagged him down on Pleasley Road, Whiston, at 1.20am on February 27 last year, said prosecutor Ian West.

The 13-minute chase saw him travel on the wrong side of West Bawtry Road, causing oncoming vehicles to swerve, and then perform a three-point turn to go the other way.

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His two off-side tyres were punctured when police deployed a stinger device and, after officers tried to box him in, Goodwin drove along a path.

Judge David Dixon deferred sentence for nine months after telling the defendant: "It is the worst driving I have seen in a very long time."Judge David Dixon deferred sentence for nine months after telling the defendant: "It is the worst driving I have seen in a very long time."
Judge David Dixon deferred sentence for nine months after telling the defendant: "It is the worst driving I have seen in a very long time."

Somehow he managed to force his way past two other vehicles as sparks flew from his wheel rims, Mr West told the court on Thursday.

The chase ended after he abandoned his car, but the 25-year-old was only caught with the help of a police dog and its handler.

Two officers sustained whiplash injuries and damage of £8,900 was caused to the police vehicles.

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Goodwin apologised for the episode, before refusing to say any more about it when he was interviewed. A blood test revealed he was over the specified limit for cocaine.

The court heard he has six previous convictions for 17 offences, dating back to a motoring offence in 2013 when he was a juvenile.

Laura Marshall, mitigating, said: "There is nothing I can say that will justify this behaviour. The offending was appalling.”

But she said his behaviour may stem from undiagnosed adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

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Goodwin, of Milton Street, Rotherham, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs, on October 13, 2020.

Judge David Dixon told him: "You drove like an absolute idiot. It is the worst driving I have seen in a very long time.”

But he deferred a prison sentence until September 13, on condition Goodwin stays free of drink and drugs and in work, and banned him from sitting in the driver's seat of any car.

Judge Dixon warned Goodwin he faces 19 months in prison for any breach, adding: "Throw this away and I'll throw the book at you.”

Read the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court here.

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