Key Points:
- Michael Burke, 24, drove at over 100mph on the wrong side of the A13 in Rainham.
- The incident occurred on 14 January 2025 after police spotted his vehicle speeding near the M25 junction at North Stifford.
- Burke was already disqualified from driving and had no insurance at the time.
- He re-entered the A13 via an off-slip road, continuing his drive toward London against oncoming traffic.
- After fleeing on foot, Burke was caught by police dog Kaiser in bushes near Ferry Lane.
- He pleaded guilty to multiple offences and was sentenced to 14 months in prison on 15 May 2025.
- Burke was also banned from driving for five years and four months and must take an extended retest.
- PC Niall Barrett said Burke showed “no thought to the safety of other motorists.”
A disqualified driver who led Essex Police on a high-speed pursuit by driving over 100mph on the wrong side of the A13 in Rainham has been jailed for 14 months, thanks to the efforts of officers and a police dog.
What happened on the A13 in Rainham?
As reported by Ben Gardner of the Romford Recorder, 24-year-old Michael Burke was driving a car at speeds exceeding 100mph when he was first spotted by an Essex Police dog handler on 14 January 2025 near the M25 junction at North Stifford. According to the report, the car had been linked to several previous incidents in the Thurrock district.
Burke, of Horseman Side, Navestock, ignored police attempts to stop him and began undertaking vehicles, changing lanes recklessly. He attempted to exit the A13 at Wennington, but when blocked by two unmarked police cars, he drove back onto the road via the off-slip, heading in the wrong direction towards London.
Where and how was Burke stopped?
As per Ben Gardner’s report in the Romford Recorder, a police dog handler relocated Burke’s car further along the A13 at Ferry Lane, Rainham, where the suspect had returned to the correct carriageway but continued driving at over 100mph.
Soon after, Burke abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot into bushes and marshland. His escape attempt was thwarted by Police Dog Kaiser, who tracked and caught him. Burke was arrested at the scene.
What charges did Michael Burke face?
According to the Romford Recorder, Burke pleaded guilty at Colchester Magistrates’ Court to the following offences:
- Dangerous driving
- Driving while disqualified
- Driving without insurance
He was sentenced on 15 May at Basildon Crown Court to 14 months in prison. He also received a driving ban of five years and four months and must pass an extended retest to regain his licence.
What did the court say about Burke’s past offences?
During sentencing, the judge noted that Burke’s criminal record reflected a “disregard for motoring laws,” pointing to similar offences committed in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
What did Essex Police say about the case?
In a statement provided to the Romford Recorder, PC Niall Barrett of Grays Local Policing Team condemned Burke’s actions:
“Burke gave no thought to the safety of those motorists whose lives he endangered that night. Fortunately, he was spotted by our officers who kept Burke safely in sight until he felt he had no choice other than to try to evade capture on foot. But he didn’t reckon on Police Dog Kaiser being there when he did so.”
PC Barrett also added:
“Burke should not have been driving as he had been disqualified from driving for 13 months last August for a similar offence but, clearly, he didn’t learn his lesson. However, he has now been jailed and our roads are safer for that.”
Why is this case significant?
This incident highlights the ongoing dangers posed by disqualified and uninsured drivers on major arterial routes like the A13, which connects Essex and East London. The fact that Burke drove the wrong way at high speeds added extraordinary risk to road users.
It also underlines the critical role of Essex Police’s dog unit, whose swift actions helped prevent possible fatalities and ensured the offender was apprehended safely.
What next for Michael Burke?
After serving his sentence, Burke will be prohibited from driving for over five years and must prove he can safely operate a vehicle by passing a special extended driving test.
