Teenager’s 120mph police chase leads to jail for series of break-ins
A speed demon teenager blasted away from police at up to 120mph in a stolen car before being caught and sentenced for multiple burglaries across Essex.
High-speed chase after stolen BMW
Leo Munns, 19, was wanted for a string of burglaries in colchester/" title="Colchester" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Colchester and Witham earlier this year. He swiped cars from three homes, including a BMW spotted by officers in Benfleet on February 26.
Munns was behind the wheel when police tried to stop him. Instead, he floored it along the A13 towards London, hitting terrifying speeds of 120mph. Police deployed a stinger to burst his tyres and bring the chase to an end.
But Munns bailed and bolted on foot towards Dagenham, ditching the stolen BMW that ran with false number plates.
Forensic evidence seals his fate
The getaway wasn’t smart: Munns left his phone in the car. Cops found texts about the stolen BMW and an Audi also nabbed during the burglaries.
GPS data placed his phone at every crime scene when the offences happened.
Arrest and sentencing
Police finally caught Munns on March 19 during a roads policing operation after stopping another car linked to crime on the A130 at Boreham Interchange.
The Witham resident pleaded guilty on September 14 at Basildon Crown Court to conspiracy to burgle, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and without insurance.
He was slammed with a three-year detention and training order and banned from driving for four years and nine months.
Police condemnation
“Munns had no regard for the distress he caused the victims of his crimes, and thought he could get away from police,” said Detective Constable Gemma White of Braintree CID.
“He was wrong and the strength of the evidence we had meant he had no option but to admit the offences in court.”
