Hastings disqualified driver fled police at 104mph and crashed into a ditch
A dangerous and disqualified driver who led police on a pursuit through East Sussex has been jailed for 13 months.
Police in The Ridge, Hastings, spotted a black Range Rover which was showing as having no insurance or tax on September 28.
A spokesperson said: “They indicated for the vehicle to stop, but it made off at speed, travelling through Fairlight, Winchelsea, Rye and into Iden, where the pursuit concluded.
"The pursuit lasted a total of 31 minutes and during this time, the driver made a number of dangerous overtakes in wet weather, and reached speeds of 104mph in a 60mph zone; 92mph in a 30mph zone; and 83mph in a 60mph zone.
"He also continued his journey despite the wheels of his vehicle being successfully deflated by a police stinger device.
“Eventually, the driver went off road through an apple orchard and crashed into a ditch, where he ran off into a wooded area.
“He was discovered by Police Dog Kudos, who had been deployed to search for him, and arrested.”
Police said the driver was Alexander Williams, 31, of Bembrook Road, Hastings. Checks revealed he had been disqualified from driving only 18 days previously.
He was charged with dangerous driving, disqualified driving, failing to stop for police and driving with no insurance.
Williams appeared before Lewes Crown Court on October 28, where he was sentenced to 13 months’ imprisonment, said police.
He was also disqualified from driving for four years and five months.
Sergeant Kieran McDonald, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Throughout the 31-minute pursuit, Williams’ manner of driving fell far below that of a careful and competent driver, and simply was extremely dangerous. He made a number of inappropriate overtakes, drove well in excess of the speed limits in weather that was not suitable for the speed he was driving, and actively evaded police attempts to stop him.
“Williams placed the safety and the lives of the public, the police and himself at risk by driving in the manner he did, and it’s extremely fortunate he was not involved in a serious collision.
“Upon his arrest, he made a number of admission to officers, stating he ran because he was on probation and he has been caught disqualified driving before. He also added that he is partially blind, making his manner of driving even more inexcusable.”