Conviction for Gateshead thug who hospitalised two and rammed police in one man rampage

A thug who attacked a man and woman before ramming into a police car has been convicted.

Ian Hood, of Northbourne Street in Gateshead, went on the one-man rampage on June 22 2020.

He assaulted two victims inside an address in Gateshead before driving into police cars in a bid for freedom.

The female victim managed to flee the address and call 999 for help from a nearby shop.

She was then taken to hospital whilst emergency services provided lifesaving first aid to the male victim, before he too was taken to hospital.

Hood had already left the property, escaping in a Ford Focus, and drove at twice the legal limit through local Gateshead areas.

When tracked down by Northumbria Police officers, Hood then deliberately rammed into a police car before driving off at speed.

He then crashed his car after driving on the wrong side of the A195 carriageway.

Hood was eventually tracked down by the force's Dog Section and Police Dog Raven picked up his scene.

Hood was found hiding in a bush.

On Monday, November 22 he pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, no insurance use, failing to provide a specimen and perverting the course of justice.

He was remanded in custody until he is due to be sentenced on February 17 next year.

Inspector Ben McIntosh of Northumbria Police said: “Hood’s appalling actions resulted in two people being taken to hospital with multiple injuries – it must have been absolutely terrifying for them.

“He also put lives in danger on our roads in his bid to evade arrest, and only stopped when he lost control of his vehicle.

“This conviction has been 18 months in the making and it was a fantastic team effort to ensure effective justice has been served.

"I would like to thank everybody – from those who first attended the scene to our brilliant Dog Section, and all the detectives and officers who have played their part in pulling together a compelling prosecution case.

“Hood has proven himself to be a danger to society and now must deal with the consequences of his actions.”