Man was frothing at the mouth as he hit 130mph

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Thomas Burn, a 36-year-old man from Northumberland, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and drug offenses following a high-speed police chase on the A69 in which he resisted arrest and was found with cannabis and amphetamines in his vehicle. He received a suspended 16-month prison sentence, a two-year driving ban, and 250 hours of unpaid work, highlighting the court's balance between punishment and rehabilitation given his employment and previous record.

A 36-year-old man from Northumberland narrowly avoided prison after a high-speed police chase during which he was observed to be frothing at the mouth and driving erratically. On May 15, officers attempting to stop Thomas Burn on the A69 identified his Vauxhall Insignia as a vehicle suspected of being operated by a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs earlier that evening.

Police initiated a tactical stop by boxing in Burn’s car and activating their emergency lights and sirens. Despite this, Burn made deliberate contact with one of the police vehicles at approximately 56 mph and forced his way through the attempted stop. A pursuit ensued, with drivers reaching speeds exceeding 130 mph as Burn swerved to prevent officers from passing him. The chase continued towards Hexham, where Burn executed a U-turn and headed back east on the A69.

Burn eventually stopped the vehicle voluntarily but resisted arrest, dragging an officer’s hand along the ground and causing abrasions; a similar injury was sustained by another officer during the incident. Officers noted a strong odor originating from Burn and his car, and he was seen with white froth on his lips, suggesting impairment. Authorities found cannabis and amphetamine in the vehicle. Burn subsequently refused to provide a blood sample when requested.

Burn, who has 24 previous convictions and resides on Stanley Crescent in West Wylam, entered guilty pleas for dangerous driving, resisting arrest, failing to provide a specimen, and possession of controlled substances. At sentencing, he received a 16-month prison term suspended for two years and was ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work. In addition, Burn was disqualified from driving for two years, required to pass an extended driving test before regaining his license, and ordered to pay £150 in costs.

Burn’s defense counsel, Freddie Adams, characterized the offenses as an isolated incident, noting that Burn is currently employed as a refuse collector earning £450 per month and has otherwise led a largely law-abiding life.

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