A DRUG-fuelled driver has been put behind bars after a Good Samaritan helped detain the armed motorist, who was trying to flee the scene of a crash.

John Sinclair knocked a cyclist off his bike and smashed into another car at a busy South Shields junction on the afternoon of September 29 last year.

Under the influence of heroin and cocaine, the 39-year-old, who was armed with a hunting knife at the time, tried to get into other people’s cars – in a bid to get away from the scene.

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But Sinclair was thwarted by a brave passer-by, who intervened, pinned the drug driver to the ground and disarmed him until police arrived.

Sinclair, of Graham Street, South Shields, admitted dangerous driving, aggravated taking without consent, possession of a bladed article and affray at Newcastle Crown Court last Friday (January 7).

With Sinclair now beginning a 30-month jail term, officers have hailed the member of the public who risked his own safety to help others around him.

Detective Chief Inspector Sean Mcguigan, of Northumbria Police, has commended the “heroic” and “extraordinary” actions of the member of the public.

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He said: “This could so easily have been a very different outcome.

“Sinclair’s erratic and dangerous actions led to him knocking a cyclist off his bike at high speed, before crashing into a car on a busy road. He was under the influence of drugs and could easily have killed somebody.

“Immediately after the collision, armed with a knife, he then left motorists terrified as he tried to get into other vehicles in a desperate bid for freedom.

“Thankfully, nobody was injured – and that is largely due to the extraordinary actions of this Good Samaritan.

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“We would always discourage the public from risking their own safety, but it’s important to recognise examples of bravery such as this.

“I would like to thank everybody involved, particularly the passer-by who intervened, as well as the victims who supported this prosecution at every step of the way.

“It is because of their bravery and cooperation that effective justice has been served, and Sinclair now begins a rightful jail term.”

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