Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 7th March 2025 , at 19:30hrs
Dominic Baker, 20, of no fixed abode, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison and disqualified from driving for 24 months, with an extended retest required, following a dangerous high-speed chase and a series of thefts across Manchester.
He was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday, March 6th.
Baker pleaded guilty to a range of offences, including theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving without a license, possession of a Class A drug, and the theft of multiple bicycles.
The incident that led to his arrest occurred on Saturday, January 18th, 2025, at approximately 4:20 am, when Baker stole a Toyota Prius parked on Hyde Road, Manchester. A short time later, at 5:45 am, Detective Constable Maskrey from Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Serious Collision Investigation Unit located the stolen vehicle travelling along Crookilley Way, Stockport.
A pursuit ensued, with officers following the Prius onto the M60, where it exited at junction 24, Denton Island, and headed back towards Manchester along Hyde Road. Baker failed to stop, and with assistance from the Roads Policing Unit and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter, the chase continued through North Reddish and Gorton.
During the pursuit, Baker drove recklessly, exceeding 70 mph in a 30 mph zone and running red traffic lights. Police deployed stingers twice, eventually causing the vehicle to crash on Mount Road.
Baker then attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended at a nearby address.
In addition to the vehicle theft and dangerous driving, Baker was also identified as being responsible for the theft of three pedal cycles between September and November 2024.
At Manchester Crown Court, Baker pleaded guilty to and was sentenced for the following offences:
* Theft of a motor vehicle (January 18, 2025)
* Dangerous driving (January 18, 2025)
* Driving without third-party insurance (January 18, 2025)
* Driving without a license (January 18, 2025)
* Possession of a Class A drug (cocaine) (January 18, 2025)
* Theft of a pedal cycle (September 1, 2024)
* Theft of a pedal cycle (November 5, 2024)
* Theft of a pedal cycle (November 13, 2024)
Detective Constable James Maskrey from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:
“Today’s result shows how we can catch offenders utilising the various resources we have, such as specialist drivers, and our helicopter team.
Communities should not have to put up with criminals taking their vehicles and driving dangerously through the streets where they live. Anyone thinking about engaging in criminal activity should think twice, we will catch you, and you will be held responsible.”
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