A dangerous driver attempted to channel his inner Michael Caine after crashing his Mini near ‘The Italian Job’ filming location.
Leslie Cooke has been jailed following a police chase like something out of the movie.
The 60-year-old’s race came to an abrupt stop after it was hit by a stinger.
READ MORE: Outrage as Britain’s biggest annual New Year’s Eve party axed
Bizarrely the crash took place just a stone’s throw away from where the iconic Mini scene from the 1969 film ‘The Italian Job’ was filmed.
In the Hollywood classic Michael Caine and the other crew members made their way down a sewer pipe to escape after stealing a shipment of gold.
At the time of filming a 240 metre long pipe was being installed under part of Stoke Aldermoor, between The Barley Lea and Allard Way, Coventry.
The Minis were lowered down to the pipe to film the iconic scene, as reported by Need To Know.
Now decades later the pipe is buried deep underground, with a small plaque above it to commemorate the piece of British film history.
Unfortunately for Cooke, his escape was not as successful.
Sgt John Simpson and PD Ugo caught the 60-year-old after he abandoned his car near the filming site.
He was arrested and charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop.
Following an appearance in court last month, Cooke pleaded guilty.
The Coventry-based man has been banned from driving and been jailed for 10 months.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “The leading causes of serious injury and death on UK roads are speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seat belt and using a mobile phone while driving.
“We are committed to making our roads safer and are taking regular action against dangerous driving, as well as vehicle crime in the West Midlands.”
READ MORE: Car crooks – who pinched three cars a week for seven months – jailed for 18 years
Cooke abandoned the car and was caught by Sgt Simpson and PD Ugo just a short distance from where the iconic Mini scene from the 1969 film The Italian Job was filmed. (Jam Press/West Midlands Police)
