'Allegations of police violence' will be heard at sentencing of Northampton man arrested over Abington neighbourhood car chase

A date has been set for the sentencing of a Northampton man who was arrested following a dramatic police car chase on the streets of Abington.

The pursuit on the morning of September 3 ended when William Parker, 45, of no fixed abode, crashed a Land Rover Discovery on Cedar Road and was restrained by several officers.

During the incident, Parker led nearly a dozen police cars and a helicopter on a dangerous high-speed chase through surrounding streets, which caused about £5,000 of damage to police vehicles.

Parker was subsequently charged with dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

It is understood the the offence on September 4 came two days after he was handed a suspended sentence on September 2 for driving without insurance.

However, Northampton Crown Court heard today (October 6) that at Parker's sentencing on October 20, the defence will raise "allegations of police violence" during the 45-year-old's arrest.

Barrsiter Mr Michael Haggar said the defence will submit bodyworn camera footage as well as videos by members of the public showing "gratuitous punching and kicking" by officers who apprehended Parker.

Parker was remanded into custody until the hearing on October 20.