WATCH: 95mph police chase of 'one man crime wave' who used violence to steal cars in Kenilworth

By James Smith 18th Oct 2024

Michael Leese showed he 'won’t hesitate to use violence' (image via Warwickshire Police)
Michael Leese showed he 'won’t hesitate to use violence' (image via Warwickshire Police)

Footage has been released of the dramatic moment a baby-faced thug dubbed a "one-man crimewave" led officers on a terrifying 95mph chase before ramming into a police car.

Michael Leese, 18, was wanted for a string of crimes including robbery, burglary, theft and dangerous driving between April and July this year - including offences in Kenilworth.

Police launched a manhunt for the fugitive with Crimestoppers offering a £1,000 reward to catch him.

Officers finally spotted him driving a stolen car in Keresley Village near Coventry on July 2 but he refused to stop and sped away from cops. 

Warwickshire Police yesterday (October 18) released heart-stopping footage of the high speed chase which followed and lasted for 13 minutes.

Leese can be seen hitting speeds of 95mph in a 40mph zone, jumping red lights before ramming a police car and smashing into a bus.

Leese's car suffered a damaged wheel and dash-cam captured the pursuing officers smashing into the side of the stolen vehicle to bring it to a halt. 

Leese tried to flee on foot but was arrested nearby.

He was convicted of 15 offences including burglary, attempted robbery, theft of a car, dangerous driving and driving while banned.

During an incident on May 2 in Rugby and May 9 in Kenilworth, Leese used violence to attempt to steal cars from their owners.

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

On Friday (11/10) Leese, of no fixed address, was jailed for four years at Warwick Crown Court.  

Detective Inspector 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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