7:38am Friday 10th July 2009
By Gavin Engelbrecht
A VETERAN police officer was overwhelmed by emotion yesterday when he relived the final moments of a car chase that ended in the death of a father- of-two.
Sergeant Trevor Kelly described how a Mitsubishi L200 being pursued by up to five patrol cars veered sharply to the left and then the right before it hit the central reservation of the A1(M) and “disappeared in a cloud of dust”.
He was initially unaware that the 4X4, driven by Barry Taylor, 23, had landed on top of a Peugeot being driven by print worker Billy Forrest, 52, instantly killing him.
Speaking at an inquest into the death of Mr Forrest, Sgt Kelly said: “Immediately after the collision I pulled up to the hard shoulder, ran across the motorway climbed over the central barrier and was running towards the Mitsubishi when, at the same point I saw the Peugeot.”
Sgt Kelly fell silent and was visibly moved by the memory – taking a minute to regain his composure, before resuming his evidence.
The crash just north of the Bowburn junction, near Durham City, was the culmination of an 11-mile pursuit at speeds of more than 100mph.
Yesterday, it was revealed that Taylor, who is serving ten years in prison after admitting causing death by dangerous driving and burglary, will give evidence on Monday.
The hearing in Chester-le- Street yesterday was told Taylor had stolen the Mitsubishi after he took its keys during a burglary in the town.
He was spotted by Sgt Kelly, who initiated the chase near Newton Aycliffe and pursued him north on the A1(M).
Sgt Kelly said two unsuccessful attempts were made to stop Taylor by using an approved boxing manoeuvre.
Taylor had twice collided with his Mercedes.
Retired PC Kevin Hardman, who joined the chase, said as the convoy approached the Bowburn interchange Taylor appeared to “have a go” at his vehicle before turning sharply right toward a patrol car driven by PC Richard Gatland.
Mr Hardman said: “My impression was that he was deliberately trying to take PC Richard Gatland out.”
Taylor then ploughed into Mr Forrest, of Walbottle, Newcastle, who was on his way to work at Sense Creativity, Darlington, shortly after 5.30pm, on Friday, July 18.
The hearing continues.
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