Footballer's Escape: Range Rover Crash Ends Police Chase

author: FutureCar Staff    

A footballer who had been released by Blackpool FC was involved in a high-speed police chase that ended in a crash. Gary Madine, who had refused to stop for police lights and sirens, sped down narrow roads before colliding with a parked car. In footage released by the police, Madine can be seen fleeing the scene after crashing into a parked white Ford Focus.

Madine, who had suffered a knee injury and was feeling low at the time of the offense, hopes to restart his career after rehabilitation and has received offers from other clubs.

The court heard that the police chase occurred after officers were called to a disturbance involving a group of males in Birtley, Gateshead. Madine, who was driving a Range Rover with a passenger, ignored instructions to pull over and led the police on a dangerous pursuit through residential streets. The chase ended when Madine's vehicle collided with a parked Ford Focus, causing it to spin and hit a postbox.

Following the crash, Madine and his passenger fled from the scene. Madine later ignored a notice to provide details of the driver involved in the incident. He pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, failing to stop for a police constable, failing to stop after an accident, and failing to provide driver information.

In court, Madine's defense explained that he had experienced a difficult year, including a serious injury that required nine months of rehabilitation. Madine expressed remorse for his actions and his desire to return to his profession. He received a suspended sentence of six months, with 250 hours of unpaid work and a 12-month driving ban.

FutureCar Staff