A DRUG driver who led police on a high-speed chase before crashing head on into another vehicle has been spared prison. 

Henry Whittiker, of Gulls Croft, Braintree, admitted failing to stop a vehicle when required to by police, driving a vehicle without care and attention, criminal damage, and driving a car under the influence of a controlled drug.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard how Whittiker, a 25-year-old HGV driver and scaffolder, had been driving his BMW in Chelmsford last August whilst a friend was in the passenger seat.

Police tried to stop Whittiker when they noticed one of his lights wasn’t working, but the BMW passenger is then said to have told the defendant: “There’s a warrant out for me – I don’t want to be arrested.”

Gazette: Sentenced – Henry Whittiker left court on Tuesday with a 36-month driving banSentenced – Henry Whittiker left court on Tuesday with a 36-month driving ban (Image: Newsquest)
Whittiker then sped away from officers before turning into a car park where he was boxed in by police.

 

As an officer tried to open the door to the defendant’s BMW, Whittiker accelerated and crashed into a police car before making off again.

A 45-minute pursuit followed as Whittiker sped down country roads at 90mph, driving on the wrong side of the road and eventually crashing head on into another vehicle at 30mph.

Whittiker then got out of his BMW to make a getaway on foot before he was arrested.

A blood test later found cocaine in Whittiker’s system.

Raphael Piggott, mitigating, said his offending meant it is unlikely the defendant will ever be employed as an HGV driver ever again.

He said: “As a result of this conviction, no employer is going to take him on as a driver – it was a moment of panic and stupidity that went out of control.”

Mr Piggott added Whittiker had tried to take his life last year following the break-up of his relationship and the death of a relative.

Gazette: Panic – Whittiker's barrister said the defendant's actions came after 'a moment of panic' Panic – Whittiker's barrister said the defendant's actions came after 'a moment of panic' (Image: Newsquest)
Chair of the bench, Beverley Davies, addressed Whittiker, saying: “You are very lucky you are not here on a death by dangerous driving charge – this could have been quite different.

 

“You are so lucky.”

Avoiding jail, Whittiker was sentenced to a 12-month community order consisting of 20 days of rehab requirements, 250 hours of unpaid work, and a £259 fine.

Whittiker was also banned from driving for 36 months.