A reckless driver with a history of dangerous motoring offences has been jailed after leading police on a high-speed chase through residential streets. The offender, Harley Murray, ignored red lights, drove on the wrong side of the road, and even mounted a kerb before crashing into a lamppost. With a shocking record of 40 driving offences, his latest crime has resulted in another prison sentence.
High-Speed Chase Through Hartlepool
On the night of November 5, 2024, police spotted 24-year-old Harley Murray behind the wheel of a black Vauxhall Astra, despite being banned from driving. Instead of stopping when instructed by Cleveland Police, he sped off, reaching speeds of up to 77 mph in a built-up residential area.
During the chase, Murray took extreme risks to evade capture:
- Drove at high speeds, reaching 67 mph in a residential area.
- Mounted a kerb and drove over a grass play area.
- Overtook multiple vehicles dangerously.
- Drove on the wrong side of the road and even down a footpath.
- Ignored several red lights before ultimately crashing into a lamppost and a garden wall.
Previous Offences and Repeat Dangerous Driving
Murray has a lengthy criminal record, with 15 convictions for 50 offences, including 40 driving-related crimes. This was not his first police chase.
In January 2024, he was involved in two separate dangerous driving incidents just days apart:
- January 16, 2024: While driving a Ford Focus in Hartlepool, he sped at 70 mph in a 30 mph zone, ran a red light, and lost control, causing a crash. He was also found in possession of cannabis but refused to provide a specimen for drug testing.
- January 20, 2024: Just four days after being released, Murray again led police on a dangerous chase, driving over a central reservation, speeding at 70 mph, and even going the wrong way down a carriageway.
For these offences, he was sentenced to 20 months in prison and banned from driving.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
Following his latest offences in November 2024, Murray appeared before Teesside Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to:
- Dangerous driving
- Driving while disqualified
- Driving without insurance
- Failing to provide a specimen for analysis
His defence barrister, Stephen Constantine, mentioned that Murray had a “difficult background,” losing his father at a young age and being diagnosed with ADHD. However, the court emphasized his reckless disregard for public safety.
Final Sentence
- Jailed for 15 months
- Banned from driving for four years (with an additional seven-and-a-half-month extension)
Harley Murray’s repeated dangerous driving incidents posed a serious threat to public safety. Despite past convictions, he continued to engage in reckless behaviour, leading to yet another prison sentence. With a long-term driving ban now in place, authorities hope this will prevent further offences and protect innocent road users from his reckless actions.
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