Norwich driver hid after police chase, court told

Scott Piggin, 29, from Tippett Close, Bowthorpe, denies burglary, dangerous driving, and an alternate charge of handling stolen goods – should the jury not find him guilty of burglary.

Prosecutor, Simon Ward told Norwich Crown Court yesterday that Piggin stole �230 in cash and a 32-inch TV and stand, after breaking into a property in St David's Close, Long Stratton, on January 14.

He put the items in the back of his Ford Transit van but a police patrol car gave chase as he had not put on his lights.

Mr Ward said that the van accelerated and Piggin led police on a chase through Long Stratton and nearby Tharston.

Piggin was driving about 65mph in 20mph areas, was swerving from one carriageway to another, and drove through a red light in the chase, Mr Ward said.

When the van came to a stop in Blenheim Close, Long Stratton, Piggin left the vehicle in such a hurry that his leg was hit by the chasing police car.

The officers gave chase on foot and Piggin was seen almost knocking down fences in gardens as he tried to escape.

After a dog unit was called, Piggin was found hiding in somebody's garden, the prosecutor said.

Piggin said in interview that he had been drinking in the Queen's Head pub in Long Stratton since the afternoon, when somebody must have stolen the keys to the van.

This person must then have carried out the burglary, led police on the chase, and then parked the van in the same area where the defendant was found hiding in a garden.

Piggin said in interview he hid in the garden because he was worried that a warrant had been issued for his arrest as he owed some fines.

Mr Ward said: 'Plainly this is nonsense and the defendant is the man who burgled the property and drove the van in the police chase.

'Both police officers picked the defendant out in an ID parade.'

He said that Piggin's fingerprints were also found on the TV found in the van, which was identified by the owner as his property.

The trial continues.