Police award for have-a-go hero David, Teesdale Mercury

A MAN who chased criminals across the Teesdale countryside has received a bravery commendation from the police. 

David Jukes, a huntsman at the Zetland Hunt, took part in a high-speed police pursuit near the A66 in September. He was driving near East Layton when he noticed officers chasing a pick-up vehicle but quickly realised the police BMW cars were struggling to cross the rough terrain. 

He said: “I pointed at my Land Rover and said ‘do you want this?’. It was a split-second thing. The officer got in my seat and I shuffled across into the passenger seat and we set off after them.”

Last week, Mr Jukes was awarded a certificate commending his bravery by Durham Police’s deputy chief constable, Mike Barton.

Mr Jukes said: “I wasn’t expecting this. I did what I did because it seemed the right thing to do at the time.”

Mr Jukes’ knowledge of the area played a big part in catching the criminals who were wanted on suspicion of stealing vehicles, among other offences. The chase came to a halt in a farmyard. After a scuffle, Mr Jukes jumped on one offender’s back, while police detained the other. 

Mr Barton said: “Thanks to David’s quick thinking and bravery he was able to assist officers in the apprehension of the suspects in the vehicle.

“It is with great pleasure that we present this award to him. We hope it underlines the importance the relationship Durham Police has with its communities.”

Ashley Fisher, 23, from the Stockton area, was sentenced to four years in prison in connection with the incident and other outstanding offences.