“You’re lucky it didn’t blow you to smithereens” | Police chase FIREBALL quad bike

A dangerous thief who stole a quad bike and rode it whilst it was engulfed in flames has been jailed.

Steven Johnstone broke into a garage on a farm in Teesdale shortly after midnight on October 11, last year and removed a high-value quad from inside.

Police were alerted to the break-in and details were also passed from Ruralwatch members who kept track of Johnstone as he headed out the area on the Yamaha Kodiak 700.

The information was relayed to patrolling officers from Durham Roads & Armed Policing unit who spotted the stationary quad and a red Astra in the middle of the A67, between Gainford and Piercebridge.

On seeing police, Johnstone sped away on the quad and a police pursuit began.

Officers followed the quad, as Johnstone drove the wrong way around a roundabout and on the wrong side of the road, reaching speeds of up to 70mph, all while sparks were seen coming from under the quad.

The rider continued to drive at speed, all the way to Darlington where the vehicle caught alight, Johnstone eventually decamped near to the River Skerne and was detained by officers.

He was taken into custody and later charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a class B drug and receiving stolen goods.

The 41-year-old, of Busfield Street, Bradford appeared at Durham Crown Court yesterday (November 20) and was sentenced to 30-months in prison and banned from driving for 27 months.

Johnstone’s co-accused, Metin Ucurcan and Jack Smith who were inside the Astra, were also arrested for their roles in the farm garage burglary.

Ucarcan has since been jailed for 37-months for the offence and a separate break in at a property in Darlington, last year.

Smith received a 21-month suspended sentence and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Neighbourhood Inspector Edward Turner said: “This was a highly organised burglary by a trio who had quite clearly planned to target the farm that day.

“Our Ruralwatch members were one step ahead however and tracked the gang’s movements, which allowed officers to locate the two vehicles involved.

“Ruralwatch members are invaluable and have once again shown that their dedication and vigilance helps us get results like this.

“I hope this sentence sends a clear message to criminals that our rural communities are not an easy target and we will continue to work closely with our local residents to keep these areas some of the safest places to live and work.”