Four men jailed after police car damaged and rammed during Flintshire pursuit

During the afternoon of Tuesday, April 2, PC Emma Birrell of the Roads Policing Unit was on duty when she was asked to keep observations for a silver Audi which was believed to be linked to a recent burglary.

PC Birrell saw the Audi parked on the B5125 in Northop Hall shortly before 3pm.

The car left and the officer followed it through the village.

A short time whilst on Stamford Way the Audi stopped; two men, who were wearing balaclavas, got out and threw rocks towards the police car which smashed the windscreen.

The control room was immediately notified and other officers nearby were making their way to assist.

PC Birrell continued to follow the car, travelling through Aston Hill and Ewloe at speeds in excess of 80mph.

A short while later the Audi came to a stop on Old Aston Hill due to one of the wheels coming off.

PC Birrell stopped behind the vehicle and whilst she was making her way out of the patrol car the Audi reversed at speed into the police vehicle.

From left: Adam William Purcell, Michael Doran, Patrick Paul Doran, Thomas Berry

Thankfully the officer wasn’t seriously injured; however she was taken to hospital.

All four occupants were arrested a few moments later and they were charged with various offences including burglary, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving whilst disqualified. One of the arresting officers was also injured whilst making an arrest.

Temporary Chief Inspector Dave Cust of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Other officers, including the Roads Policing Unit and local policing colleagues were making their way towards the incident, and PC Birrell, despite not knowing the danger she faced, continued to pursue the car whilst single-crewed.

“This was a frightening incident for her and she displayed courage, tenacity and commitment to duty in order to apprehend the males involved.

“This was an appalling act of dangerous driving and it was only by good fortune no one was injured.”

All four defendants were charged and remanded to appear before court.

The case was heard at Mold Crown Court and today (Friday. November 8) all four received custodial sentences.

Thomas Berry, aged 27 and of College Fields, Tanyfron, Wrexham was sentenced to 20 months in prison.

Michael Doran, aged 26 and of the caravan site on the old A43 in Broughton, received 20 months in prison.

Patrick Paul Doran, aged 33 and of Ruthin Road in Wrexham received a three year sentence.

And 30-year-old Adam William Purcell of Priestfield Road, Ellesmere Port was sentenced to 42 months in prison.

Detective Constable Lisa Evans of Wrexham CID said: “The sentence will I’m sure bring a degree of relief to many in the local community and I hope it will provide the public with some reassurance and make our communities safer.

“All four men had a complete disregard for their victims and thought they could evade police detection. It is thanks to great partnership work by our officers that these prolific criminals are now behind bars. We fully understand the devastating impact that burglary has, both on the victims themselves and the wider community.

"North Wales Police will relentlessly pursue those individuals who cause most harm and this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Mark Jones, General Secretary of North Wales Police Federation said: “This is just one of many, many examples where our outstandingly brave police officers put their safety on the line for the protection of the public and to apprehend violent offenders. The Police Federation passionately campaigns for tougher sentences on those who choose to attack emergency service workers so it is only proper that those convicted end up behind bars.”