SHOCKING video footage shows the moment a dangerous driver sent one of his pursuers flying through the air as he tried to make his escape.
Two people were pursuing Rees Burton when he tried to hide in a car park near the Toyota garage on Penzance Drive.
However, his plan to did not work and CCTV footage shown to the court earlier this month, and only released to the media this week, shows a red Audi cornering Burton in his vehicle.
WARNING: Video contains strong language and scenes some may find distressing.
Two men emerge from the car and shout “get out of the f****** car, stop” before Burton, of Twickenham Close, Covingham, revs the engine of his blue Vauxhall Zafira and speeds out of the car park, knocking one of his pursuers, Allan McCulloch, to the ground.
The camera then picked up screams and swearing, before the red car, driven by the other man sets off in pursuit of Burton.
It happened in broad daylight on October 7, 2020, just after 2.30pm. The events which led to the incident in the car park were not mentioned in open court.
Appearing at Bristol Crown Court, Burton had been set to stand trial accused of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, before prosecutor George Threlfall told the court that a guilty plea to dangerous driving alone would be deemed acceptable.
Earlier, he had told Judge Jason Taylor QC that “on any grounds that was dangerous driving”.
But John Simmons, for Burton, said: “The defendant is by no means covered in glory by escaping in the way he did.
“There was an awful lot more to this than meets the eye and he was scared of what might have happened.”
The 25-year-old now faces a driving ban of at least a year.
But Burton is still on the roads until he is sentenced after Judge Taylor chose not to order an interim driving disqualification.
Mr Simmons had said there would be logistical difficulties of getting his car to family members.
Addressing the defendant, Judge Taylor said: “You have taken a sensible decision today. I am going to adjourn your case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.
“You know that immediate custody is a risk, but I want a report.
“All options are on the table. When you come on the next occasion, don’t drive to court.”
Burton was released on unconditional bail, pending the sentencing on July 13.
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