Man jailed and given lengthy driving disqualification following dangerous pursuit in Melksham

A man has been jailed for 16 months and given a lengthy driving disqualification following a dangerous pursuit through Melksham last month.

Leroy Harding, 35, of Elm Grove, Southdown, Bath, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, possession of cannabis and driving whilst disqualified.

As well as the prison sentence, he was banned from the roads for 11 years and five months.

Officers were alerted to Harding driving dangerously through Melksham at about 9.25pm on the evening of January 9 and quickly gave pursuit. Officers witnessed Harding speeding at more than 70mph in a 30mph zone, driving down pavements to avoid cars and going the wrong way around the roundabout in the town centre. He then continued on the wrong side of the road, overtaking cars. The pursuit came to an end when Harding crashed his car, before fleeing on foot. He was then caught and arrested by officers.

Upon sentencing, the judge described Harding’s driving record as ‘appalling’ and said his time in custody should be spent reflecting on how he has made the lives of others more difficult.

Detective Constable Ian Tilley of the Fortitude Team said: “Harding’s actions were incredibly reckless and it’s a miracle that no one was injured.

“Considering the pursuit took place at 9.30pm, there could have been any number of pedestrians out, as well as other drivers, and Harding put all their lives in danger.

“A disqualification of 11 years and five months is extremely significant and sends a strong message that behaviour of this nature on our roads will not be tolerated and there will be consequences.”