Semi-pro footballer's 'lunatic' 140mph driving came after concerned McDonald's staff called police on him

Kieran Cook, 24 and of Wednesfield, was sentenced on Friday (November 29) at Shrewsbury Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.

The court had heard that Cook, who plays for Darlaston FC, was followed by officers on the A5, speeding off when they activated their blue lights.

He reached speeds of 140mph on the A5, before pulling off the A5 at Junction 7 for Wellington where he continued to drive at up to 80mph - crossing onto the wrong side of the road, and going the wrong way around a roundabout in a desperate bid to avoid being caught.

Police eventually called off the pursuit over their concerns for public safety.

Shrewsbury Crown Court was told that in the days after the incident Cook changed his VW Golf's alloy wheels and spoiler in an attempt to disguise the car, before telling cops that his number plates had been cloned.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police detailed the events, saying: "In the early hours on December 23, 2023, officers received a report from staff at a McDonald’s in Oswestry about concerns a driver who had used the drive-thru, who they suspected may have been under the influence of alcohol.

"Police responded and saw a car exceeding the 70mph speed limit on the A5 in Shrewsbury being driven by Cook.

"An authorised pursuit then followed, where the 24-year-old reached speeds of around 140mph as he made his way to the Preston Island. Attempts were made to use a stinger on the vehicle, which was unsuccessful.

"Cook then left the A5 at Junction 7 for Wellington where he reached speeds of 80mph in a 30 zone. He managed to evade officers but was later sighted driving on the wrong side of the road near the Ketley Brook roundabout and mounting the pavement.

"The 24-year-old failed to stop for officers and managed to flee shortly afterwards.

"In the days following the incident enquiries were carried out and Cook was quickly identified as the driver of the vehicle.

"Initially Cook denied being the driver and claimed his vehicle had been cloned, and even changed the spoiler on the car, but due to phone data and CCTV officers were able to place him at the scene of McDonald’s and the pursuit that followed."

Last week Cook was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

PC Mark Smith, from West Mercia Police's Operational Policing Unit, said they would look to prosecute anyone driving in such a "dangerous" manner.

He said: “Cook’s driving that night was extremely dangerous given the high speeds, heavy rain and large areas of standing water, and his general manner of driving; including driving through red lights.

“He failed to stop for officers on two occasions and even drove against the flow of traffic towards police vehicles, and counterclockwise on a busy roundabout with no view of oncoming vehicles.

“I hope today’s sentence serves as a warning that we will work tirelessly to ensure you are put before the courts, as Cook’s actions that night could have ended in tragic circumstances given the lack of care he showed.”