'Miracle no-one hurt' by fleeing drug dealer

Dylan Muldoon admitted dangerous driving and possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply

A drug dealer who twice drove away from police in dangerous high-speed pursuits has been jailed for three years.

Dylan Muldoon, 25, reached 90mph in a 20mph zone as he fled from officers because he did not have a licence or insurance, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

He admitted multiple offences, including possessing cocaine with intent to supply and two counts of dangerous driving.

Judge Carolyn Scott said it was a "miracle" no-one was injured by the 6 October pursuit, adding it was "one of the worst examples of dangerous driving" she had ever seen.

Muldoon first came to the attention of police when he was seen throwing a package out of the window of a Ford Focus which officers had pulled over on the A19 at Dudley, near Newcastle, on 5 November 2023.

The bag was found to contain dozens of tablets of various prescription drugs, including Class A oxycodone, the court heard.

'Highly dangerous manoeuvre'

On 20 December 2023, Muldoon was seen driving a Nissan Micra around the car park at Queen Elizabeth II Country Park in Ashington with no headlights on, the court heard.

He fled when police approached, with officers discovering nine bags of cocaine, each worth about £40, inside the car.

Muldoon, of King George Road in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, handed himself into police a week later and admitted the drugs were his.

On 26 February last year, police started pursuing him on the A189 at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea after he failed to stop for officers, the court heard.

He reached speeds of 70mph in a 30mph zone and rounded a corner on the wrong side of the road, in what Judge Scott called a "highly dangerous manoeuvre" before driving across footpaths and fields.

A police helicopter was also deployed, with the pursuit ending when officers used a stinger to bring the van to a halt, the court heard, although Muldoon and a passenger both attempted to flee on foot before being rapidly caught.

Speeds of 90mph

On 6 October last year, Muldoon was seen driving a white van erratically round a roundabout at North Seaton, overtaking cars at speed, the court heard.

Officers began a pursuit and again Muldoon refused to stop, reaching 90mph in a 20mph zone and driving over paths and football pitches before crashing in Widdrington.

The police helicopter was able to track Muldoon after he fled on foot with him eventually being brought down by a police dog, the court heard.

Judge Scott said she had watched police footage of the pursuit, telling Muldoon: "It was one of the worst examples of dangerous driving I have seen.

"It's a miracle no-one was harmed as a result of your driving."

Muldoon was also banned from driving for two years and five months.