THE owner of a pick-up truck has been fined after police were led on a high-speed pursuit through Darlington that ended with the driver being Tasered when the vehicle became stuck in mud.

Karl Wilson, of Brougham Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to letting an uninsured driver behind the wheel of his Ford Ranger.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court was told David Ryan, from Oxford Street Mews, also in Darlington, was driving the car through the Denes area of the town.

The Northern Echo: Sgt Kevin Salter's vehicle also became stuck in the mud after driving onto a boggy field off Bellburn Lane, in Darlington. Picture: DURHAM RPU.

Sgt Kevin Salter's vehicle also became stuck in the mud after driving onto a boggy field off Bellburn Lane, in Darlington. Picture: DURHAM RPU.

Police began following the vehicle in an unmarked BMW.

The silver Ranger then sped up after noticing officers from the Cleveland and Durham Road Policing Unit were behind them on Deneside Road.

Alan Davison, prosecuting, said: “Police followed the vehicle that was driving at high speed before it eventually became stuck in mud.

“[Ryan] was Tasered and forced out of the truck and [Wilson] was arrested for allowing himself to be carried in the vehicle."

Mr Davison added that despite knowing he would receive points on his provisional licence for the offence, it was Wilson’s intention to pass his driving test.

Wilson, who defended himself, had six points added to his provisional licence and was ordered him to pay £220 in fines and costs.

Ryan pleaded guilty to driving dangerously, driving without insurance, and failure to stop when he appeared in Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, May 12. His case was committed to Teesside Crown Court for sentencing on a date to be arranged.