Police dog brings dangerous driver to a halt

A dangerous driver was stopped in his tracks when a police dog performed his "first bite on the job".

Enzo, a black German Shepherd, stopped Matthew James Armitage from leaving the scene after he led officers on a high-speed car chase around Gowthorpe in Selby, North Yorkshire Police said.

Armitage, 49, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to stop for police at York Magistrates' Court on Thursday, following the incident in September.

Traffic Constable Davey Mitchell, who led the pursuit, said officers were "thrilled for PD Enzo who put all his training into practice".

At 00.47 BST on 23 September, a white Fiat 500 driven by Armitage was spotted speeding through Gowthorpe by a patrolling officer.

After a car chase which reached speeds of 90mph, the Fiat eventually stopped when its tyres were deflated by a stinger device deployed by the force.

Armitage then attempted to run away from the scene, so Enzo was deployed by his handler and stopped the offender in his tracks.

Mr Mitchell said the force "needed Enzo's help to apprehend the suspect as he was clearly determined to evade capture".

Armitage was taken to hospital for treatment to a dog bite on his thigh, before being remanded into custody.

He was handed a community order, a fine and court costs totalling £279.

He was also banned from driving for 12 months, and must complete an extended driving test before being allowed back on the roads.

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