A criminal's Labrador has inadvertently led police to its owner's hiding spot in an attic after the man abandoned the animal while fleeing officers on an illegal e-scooter. Charles Foy, 41, was apprehended after a police patrol noticed him riding the e-scooter in February 2026. A patrol officer observed Foy operating the e-scooter, which is illegal on public roads due to its inability to be insured. The officer also noted a "considerable smell of cannabis" emanating from Foy, who was riding with two dogs running alongside him.
When signaled to stop, Foy attempted to evade the officer by speeding down cul-de-sacs and narrow alleyways. During the pursuit, he abandoned one of his dogs, a Labrador, which could not keep pace with the e-scooter.
The Labrador, however, remained loyal to its owner and led the pursuing officer to a property on Beaconsfield Road. The residence initially appeared unoccupied, but officers spotted the second dog through a ground-floor window. After attempts to get a resident to answer the door, police entered the property.
A search revealed an open loft hatch, and inside the attic, Foy was discovered hiding beneath insulation.
When found, Foy claimed he was sleeping in the loft due to overcrowding in the house. He also denied riding the e-scooter and stated he was unaware that police cars had sirens. He was later found guilty of failing to stop for police, driving while disqualified, using a motor vehicle without insurance, and failing to provide a drug test.
Foy was sentenced to three months in prison and received a four-year, three-month driving ban. PC Mike Smith commented that while Foy showed no loyalty to his dog, the animal ultimately remained loyal and provided a crucial lead. PC Smith highlighted the seriousness of Foy's offenses, including operating an illegal vehicle under the influence of substances, noting that e-scooters cannot be insured for public road use and may be classified as motor vehicles requiring a license, insurance, and helmet.
