Dangerous driver jailed and banned after police pursuit in Billingham

A dangerous driver who sped through 30mph zones in Billingham and mounted the pavement before driving through a bush has been jailed for five years.

Leighton Watson first came to the attention of police at around 4.30pm on Friday 11^th July last year when he was seen driving a Honda erratically.

Officers caught up to the vehicle, but the 19-year-old failed to stop for them and sped off on Petland Avenue in Billingham.

Watson weaved through traffic and travelled 70mph in a 30mph speed limit zone before mounting the pavement to get past a bus and evade police.

The pursuit carried on with Watson driving through a bush and across a field. He later came to a stop when he crashed into a bollard and tried to make off on foot.

Officers soon found him hiding in a back garden and he was arrested for multiple offences. Class C drugs were also found on him, and he was soon charged.

Watson appeared in court where he admitted dangerous driving, driving with no licence or insurance, and possession of a class C drug.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited firearm at an earlier hearing after officers seized a gun in a garden in Billingham in December last year after Watson’s DNA was found on the weapon.

Watson appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Friday 15th May where he was jailed for five years. He was also banned from driving for five years and must pass an extended re-test before he is allowed a licence.

Investigating officer Emma Curbishley said: “Watson showed an absolute disregard to other road users and pedestrians that day by swerving in and out of traffic and mounting the pavement. It was extremely dangerous and reckless, and his actions could have caused serious injuries or worse.

“I’m pleased he has been given a prison sentence to reflect the seriousness of his crimes. We will not tolerate people using our roads in such a dangerous manner and we can and will take action against them.”