A reckless driver from Sheerness has been jailed after a high-speed police chase in a stolen Audi that reached speeds of over 100mph. Harrison Bennett, aged 29, was sentenced to 18 months in prison following the dangerous incident that took place last year.
On the evening of 13 December 2019, police officers spotted Bennett driving a stolen Audi with cloned number plates on 1 High Street, Sheerness. When officers attempted to stop him, Bennett accelerated rapidly, exceeding the 40mph speed limit and reaching speeds of over 100mph.
During the chase, Bennett threw glass bottles from the vehicle and drove head-on into oncoming traffic, creating a serious risk to other road users and pedestrians. Due to the extreme danger posed by his erratic driving, officers decided to abort the pursuit for safety reasons.
Despite ending the chase, police continued their investigation and soon found the stolen Audi abandoned outside a home on Berridge Road. Bennett was located inside the property, where he was seen attempting to flush the car keys down the toilet to destroy evidence. The keys were recovered and Bennett was arrested the following day.
At Maidstone Crown Court on 5 March 2020, Bennett pleaded guilty to charges including dangerous driving, handling stolen goods, and driving without a licence or insurance. The judge sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment and imposed a 30-month driving ban.
Detective Constable Kara Sweetland of North Kent CID commented, “Bennett drove so dangerously that evening that it was lucky no one was injured. He showed complete disregard for everyone’s safety — himself, his passenger, police, and other road users. Though we had to stop the pursuit, quick police work ensured he was caught and taken off Sheerness roads. Now, he can’t threaten the public or other drivers.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
