'One-man crimewave' jailed after police pursuit

A man described as a “dangerous one-man crimewave” has been jailed after leading police on a high-speed pursuit when he was found during a hunt to locate him.

Michael Leese, 18, was accused of 15 offences including robbery, burglary, theft and dangerous driving.

Warwickshire Police launched a major search for him, offering a reward for his capture.

Leese, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to all charges and was jailed for four years at Warwick Crown Court on 11 October.

The force said the spree began on 2 May in Rugby, then continued on 9 May in Kenilworth, when he used violence to attempt to steal a number of cars.

He also committed burglary and theft offences in Nuneaton, Keresley End and Exhall.

After he was traced by officers on 2 July in Keresley Village, Leese hit speeds of 95 miles per hour in a 40 zone during a 13-minute pursuit.

During the events, he rammed a police car, collided with a bus, jumped a red light and drove on the wrong side of the road.

The pursuit ended when a wheel on Leese’s car was damaged, forcing him to slow down.

The Warwickshire force said a police car made tactical contact with the vehicle, which brought it to a stop, and Leese was arrested following a short chase on foot.

Det Insp Sarah Wolsey said: “Leese was a dangerous one-man crimewave who has shown he won’t hesitate to use violence.

“The reduction of violent and acquisitive crime are priorities for Warwickshire Police and removing the likes of Leese from our streets will help us achieve this.”

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