One-man crime wave led police on car chase

Officers had to abandon pursuit due to perilous speed

A thief led police on a high-speed chase after carrying out a month-long crime spree, started within 72 hours of being freed early from jail.

Alan Rachwal, 29, drove so fast around residential streets in Dundee officers had to call off the chase because of the danger to the public.

They saw Rachwal hit 60mph before he left the road and started to drive on a footpath close to pedestrians, including children.

Dundee Sheriff Court heard yesterday Rachwal had been released early, on May 18, from a previous prison sentence but committed the first of five fresh offences on May 21.

Depute fiscal Eilidh Robertson said Rachwal targeted the home of a disabled woman and her husband, stealing clothing, keys and a smart meter.

He then broke into the home of an 87-year-old man and stole computer items and a TV which were loaded into the victim’s car before being driven off.

On June 15 officers spotted Rachwal driving, despite a previous driving ban.

He initially pulled over before reversing off at high speed and striking a kerb as he tried to make his getaway.

Rachwal, a prisoner at Perth, admitted driving dangerously and at twice the speed limit in built-up residential areas and other driving offences.

He admitted two charges of housebreaking with theft.

He was ordered to serve the outstanding 188 days of his previous sentence and a consecutive 15 months in jail and was banned from driving for five years.