WATCH: Benny Hill-esque classic British police chase as officer on bike hunts thief
The officer called the thief a “sausage” during the chase
A video shows a Benny Hill-esque classic British police chase as an officer on a bike hunts down a prolific thief - branding the druggy a “sausage” before capturing him.
James McMurray, 38, was wanted by police for more than three dozen shoplifting offences across Southampton resulting in £3,300 worth of goods stolen from shops.
Pedal-powered PC Arnott spotted hapless McMurray whilst on patrol on 22 October before embarking on a determined two-wheeled pursuit, which saw the thief cycle through a red light in a bid to get away.
But heroic PC Arnott caught up with him and made the arrest near Janaway Gardens.
During the chase, the officer yells at McMurray: “Mate, you are going to get taken off in a minute. It’s not worth it.”
He then shouts “you are being a sausage” before adding: “You’re not getting away, I’m on a lecky,” which is a slang word for an electric bike.
McMurray, of no fixed address, was subsequently charged with 42 counts of shoplifting, and possession of crack cocaine and heroin.
The thefts occurred between 18 June and 12 October this year, with more than £3,300 worth of goods pinched from Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Co-op shops in the city, as well as Poundland in Eastleigh.
Appearing at Southampton Magistrates Court, McMurray pleaded guilty to all of the offences and was jailed for a year.
He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £187 victim surcharge.