One of the teenage joyriders who caused the deaths of the two constables by crashing into them on a dual carriageway was awaiting trial on charges of racially abusing and assaulting officers, it has been revealed.
Makai Saddington, 18, one of the five men in the VW Passat that hurtled the wrong way down the A66, was accused of assaulting Sergeant Rooker of Cleveland Police and causing racially aggravated alarm or distress to PC Chowdhury.
Saddington, of no fixed address, made his first appearance before Teesside magistrates on July 17, when his case was adjourned to a later date.
New details have emerged about one of the young men killed in the devastating A66 crash near Middlesbrough, revealing that he had been awaiting trial over allegations involving the assault of police officers and a racially aggravated offence.
Makai Saddington, 18, was among five occupants of a Volkswagen Passat who died when the vehicle crashed into a police car on the A66 during the early hours of Saturday morning. The collision also claimed the lives of two Cleveland Police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough.
The tragedy has sparked widespread grief across the region, while investigators continue examining the events that led to the fatal crash.
Teenager Was Awaiting Court Appearance
Saddington, who had no fixed address listed, had reportedly appeared before Teesside Magistratesβ Court in July in connection with allegations involving police officers.
The teenager was accused of assaulting a police sergeant and causing racially aggravated alarm or distress to another officer. His case had been adjourned, with a future court hearing expected before his death.
The allegations were unrelated to the fatal A66 collision but have emerged as part of the wider background surrounding the teenagerβs life before the crash.
Fatal Collision After Police Pursuit
PC Matthew Blades was remembered by his widow as an ‘incredible father’ and ‘beloved husband’
PC Tom Clough has been remembered by his family as a ‘hero with a fantastic sense of humour’
The crash occurred after police began pursuing the Volkswagen Passat following reports of several incidents linked to the vehicle.
According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the car was believed to have been using cloned registration plates, which triggered an automatic number plate recognition system. Officers followed the vehicle for several minutes before ending the pursuit when the Passat moved onto the wrong side of the A66.
The vehicle continued traveling in the wrong direction and, around 10 seconds later, collided head-on with a marked police vehicle carrying PC Blades and PC Clough.
The officers were not directly involved in the pursuit at the moment of impact. They were in the area assisting colleagues searching for the vehicle.
All seven people involved in the crash were pronounced dead at the scene.
Social Media Videos Raise Further Questions
Following the collision, attention also turned to videos reportedly shared online by Saddington before his death.
Some footage appeared to show dangerous driving behavior and police pursuit-related content, raising concerns about the influence of social media on reckless actions among young drivers.
The issue has become a growing concern for authorities and road safety campaigners, who warn that online platforms can sometimes encourage risky behavior by rewarding extreme content with attention and engagement.
Officers Remembered as Dedicated Public Servants
The deaths of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough have deeply affected Cleveland Police and the wider community.
The two officers were remembered as committed public servants who died while carrying out their duties. Tributes from colleagues, families, and community members have described them as valued members of the force who dedicated themselves to protecting others.
PC Blades, who was married and a father of two, was also involved in local youth football coaching. Friends and colleagues described him as someone who made a positive impact both inside and outside policing.
PC Clough was remembered by his family as a caring and determined person who was always willing to help others.
Investigation Continues
The IOPC has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, as required when a death occurs following police contact.
Investigators are reviewing police footage, officer statements, and other evidence to establish the full timeline of events leading up to the collision.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing.
Cleveland Police and community leaders have also appealed for people not to spread unverified information online, allowing investigators to complete their work.
Community Left Mourning
The A66 tragedy has left families of both the officers and the young men facing an unimaginable loss.
While the investigation focuses on understanding how the crash occurred, communities across Middlesbrough and Teesside continue to mourn the seven lives lost.
The incident has renewed debate about dangerous driving, police pursuits, social media influence, and the risks faced by officers responding to incidents on the road.
As investigators continue piecing together the events of that morning, the focus remains on supporting the families affected and finding answers about the circumstances that led to one of the regionβs most devastating road tragedies.
