Curtis Harrison, 27, of Fullers Way, Odd Down, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison after leading police on a dangerous, high-speed chase through residential streets in Chippenham last September.
On the evening of September 13, Wiltshire Police spotted Harrison driving a Ford Focus with faulty number plates along Hungerdown Lane. The vehicle was uninsured, prompting officers to activate their blue lights to stop the car.
Instead of complying, Harrison sped off, reaching speeds of over 90mph in a 30mph zone. During the pursuit, he drove through barriers, mounted pavements, and crossed grassy playfields in the Redlands area—places where children often play.
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The chase ended when he crashed into another vehicle on Manor Road. Harrison then fled on foot, but officers discovered a 10-year-old child in the back seat and a woman in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.
Harrison was later arrested, interviewed at Melksham Police Station, and appeared at Swindon Crown Court on May 1. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without a valid licence, and driving uninsured. Additionally, he received a driving disqualification for two years and seven months.
Police Constable Paul Davis condemned Harrison’s reckless behavior, stating, “He showed a total disregard for public safety and the wellbeing of those inside the vehicle, including a young child. Driving at such excessive speeds through residential areas, mounting pavements, and crossing play spaces could have resulted in serious injury or death. Fortunately, no one was harmed. It is deeply disappointing to see someone go to such lengths to evade police, endangering lives in the process.”