Teen sentenced after high speed police chase in North Essex
A teenager from North Essex has been sentenced after leading police on a high speed chase in a stolen car.
Leo Munns, who's 19 and from Crittal Road in Witham, drove a stolen car at up to 120mph along the A13 towards London with police in pursuit back in February.
He was wanted for burglaries in Rosewood Close in Colchester, on the 16th February 2020, and Chalks Road and Yew Close in Witham on 21st and 22nd February.
Cars were stolen from each house, including a BMW, which officers spotted in Benfleet on 26th February.
Police say Munns was driving and failed to stop, and fled along the A13 towards London.
Officers used a stinger to bring the BMW to stop, but Munns got out and ran off towards Dagenham.
The car had been stolen during the Chalks Road burglary and was on false number plates.
Munns had left behind his mobile phone, which contained text messages discussing the BMW, and an Audi that had been stolen from Yew Close.
Police say their investigations showed the phone was at the location of all three burglaries at the times they were committed.
He was arrested on 19th March during a roads policing operation targeting criminals using the roads.
He was in a car that was stopped on the A130 at Boreham Interchange following information it was linked to crime.
Munns appeared at Basildon Crown Court on 14th September where he admitted conspiracy to burgle.
He also admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance on the A13 in Basildon on 26th February.
He was sentenced to a three year detention and training order and banned from driving for four years and nine months.
Detective Constable Gemma White, said: "Munns had no regard for the distress he caused the victims of his crimes, and thought he could get away from police. He was wrong and the strength of the evidence we had meant he had no option but to admit the offences in court."