Speed Demon Jailed After High-Speed Essex Crash and Police Escape
James Harty, 36, from High Roding, Dunmow, was locked up for 18 weeks at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 22 March. He admitted failing to stop after a collision during a terrifying police chase last July.
Police Chase Ends in Crash and Daring Escape
On 8 July, around 8pm, Essex Operational Support Group officers spotted a speeding Mercedes tearing down Braintree Road, Witham. When officers signalled for the driver to pull over, he floored it instead.
The getaway ended in chaos. The Mercedes slammed into a car on Cressing Road, then careened into another vehicle in Shaw Road before the driver and passenger bolted, abandoning the car in the middle of the street.
Dangerous Driving and Reckless Behaviour
“James Harty continued to drive at speed despite knowing that he was being directed to stop by officers,” said PC Fiona Rayner, who led the investigation. “He ran a red light, drove on the wrong side of keep left bollards multiple times, and hit two vehicles while trying to escape arrest.”
“His disregard for the safety of others could have ended disastrously if he had hit a pedestrian.”
Justice Served – Jail, Ban, and Fine
- Jailed for 18 weeks
- Disqualified from driving for 14 months
- Fined £154
- Licence endorsed for failing to report an accident, driving without due care, and failing to stop for police
Harty was arrested and charged with multiple road offences, appearing at court on 9 February before pleading guilty to failing to stop.
Essex Police Crackdown on the Fatal Four
The Essex Roads Policing Unit is cracking down hard on dangerous drivers. Their focus is on the Fatal Four offences:
- Speeding
- Drink or drug driving
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Using a mobile phone while driving
These deadly sins are proven contributors to serious and fatal collisions. Essex Police aim for zero road deaths by 2040, working closely with the Safer Essex Road Partnership to keep the county’s roads safe.
