MELVYN PICKERING ON THE RUN FROM EAST YORKSHIRE POLICE AFTER DANGEROUS CHASE NEAR WALKINGTON AND HULL

In a dramatic and alarming incident that unfolded across East Yorkshire, Melvyn Pickering, a 41-year-old man from Walkington near Beverley, became the subject of a high-speed police pursuit that culminated in a reckless crash in Hull. The events began when authorities identified Pickering as a suspect in a serious case involving child exploitation, leading to a series of tense and dangerous moments on the roads of East Riding and Hull.

Pickering was found to possess over 750 indecent images of children, some as young as 18 months old. Further investigations revealed that he had also transmitted nearly 170 indecent photographs to another individual involved in similar criminal activities in Wales. These disturbing discoveries prompted police to take swift action against him.

On February 11, this year, law enforcement officials tracked Pickering to the car park near the Humber Bridge, where he was supposed to surrender to authorities after failing to respond to police bail. Instead of complying, Pickering refused to cooperate and chose to flee the scene. He sped off in his black Mitsubishi four-wheel-drive, initiating a dangerous 15-mile chase through the East Riding area, including Swanland, before heading back towards Hull.

During the pursuit, Pickering drove at excessive speeds, weaving through traffic and ignoring traffic signals. His reckless driving continued as he approached Hessle Road in west Hull, where he committed multiple traffic violations. He went the wrong way around a roundabout, drove on the wrong side of the road, and nearly collided with a pedestrian, heightening the danger to the public.

He then turned into Wheeler Street, where police attempted to block his path. Demonstrating a blatant disregard for safety, Pickering mounted the pavement and drove around the police vehicles. The situation escalated further when he lost control of his vehicle, crashing through the grounds of Wheeler Street Primary School. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the crash.

Following his arrest, Pickering faced a series of charges. At Hull Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to nine counts of making indecent images of children, nine counts of distributing such images, and one count of dangerous driving. The court proceedings revealed the extent of his criminal conduct and the risks posed by his actions.

Judge Michael Mettyear, the Honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding, sentenced Pickering to three and a half years in prison. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to the community.