Banned driver abandoned moving van during police chase in Crawley

Police on patrol in Crawley on April 16 were alerted to a white Renault Kangoo driven by Lee Houghton.

The 38-year-old was subject to a two-year driving ban, having been convicted of drink-driving, dangerous driving, failing to stop when required by police and common assault of an emergency worker on February 27.

The vehicle was spotted near County Oak Retail Park and seen to contravene a red light signal and cross two lanes of 40mph traffic, before continuing at speed.

The Roads Policing Unit officers therefore activated their blue lights and pursued the van through a residential area to Juniper Road, where Houghton abandoned the van while still moving, causing significant damage to a parked car and a brick wall.

He was chased on foot but there was no trace of him, and a warrant was put out for his arrest.

Houghton, of Moorcroft Close, Crawley, handed himself in to police on April 27 and was charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and failing to stop when required by police.

He was remanded in custody and appeared before Crawley Magistrates’ Court on April 28, where he pleaded guilty to all offences.

He was bailed by the court to reappear at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday, May 26, where he was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years, ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and made subject to mandatory alcohol abstinence and monitoring for 120 days.

He was also disqualified from driving for a further three years and six months and will have to pass an extended driving test to get his licence back.

Investigating officer, PC Matthew Perry, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Houghton has a blatant disregard for the law, and seemingly for the safety of himself and all other road users.

“But this latest conviction shows that we will continue to target the most dangerous criminals and bring them to justice, ensuring our communities are protected. If somebody you know is driving whilst disqualified, contact Sussex Police and report it to us, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

“It also demonstrates our commitment to tackling the five most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads – speeding, drink and drug-driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, careless driving and distracted driving (such as mobile phone use).”