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Crayford van driver led police on high-speed chase through Dartford

05:00, 03 February 2023

updated: 14:47, 03 February 2023

A van driver who was asked to stop by police led them on a high-speed chase and "showed a shocking disregard for any other road users" as he sped through the streets.

Connor Hitchin was spotted by officers driving a silver van in Dartford and was asked to pull over.

However, despite police shouting and pointing at him telling him to stop, Hitchin turned his vehicle in a residential street and sped off.

He was followed by officers around various roads at high speeds and as they pursued him they saw him throw something out of the vehicle.

Hitchin, of Lower Station Road, Crayford, was followed by police in Pilgrims Way, Dartford, and then on the Darenth Interchange when he drove without care and at high speeds, putting other road users at risk.

At points, while police recorded him from their patrol car, the 30-year-old reaches speeds of between 100mph and 110mph as he drove towards Bexley along the A2 near Dartford Heath.

At one point, he slows down his vehicle and stops, but as officers near, he makes off again and they have to give chase, until finally he enters a car park in Denton Road and gets out of the vehicle and is arrested.

Connor Hitchin was asked to stop by police, but led them on a high speed chase. Picture: Kent Police/CPS South East
Connor Hitchin was asked to stop by police, but led them on a high speed chase. Picture: Kent Police/CPS South East

The chase went on for more than five minutes before he was apprehended and then Hitchin was compliant with police.

He was later charged with driving without due care and attention and failing to stop and when he appeared before magistrates in Medway on January 26, he admitted the driving without due care and attention.

After pleading guilty to that offence, the failing to stop charge was withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Kyle Rogers, prosecuting, showed magistrates footage of the incident, which happened on November 30, last year.

Mr Rogers said: "He was asked to stop and doesn't stop. He then threw something out of the vehicle.

Connor Hitchin led police on a high-speed chase across Dartford (62167968)
Connor Hitchin led police on a high-speed chase across Dartford (62167968)

"Police gave chase and he drove at excessive speeds, of up to 100mph and the nature of the driving was aggressive and he passes a cyclist on a country road.

"He has previous driving-related matters."

Magistrates were also told Hitchin didn't really know why he drove off at speed and that it was a period of madness and stupid and he accepted it was in the high category of careless driving.

The bench also heard Hitchin was completely ashamed and uses his van for work and that he had a partner and two very young children who depended on him and that losing his licence would have a impact on his family.

Chairman of the bench Martin Alderman told Hitchin the footage was shocking to watch.

Hitchin appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court. Stock picture
Hitchin appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court. Stock picture

Mr Alderman added: "You were chased by police for over five minutes and showed a shocking disregard for any other road users.

"You drove at speeds of up to 110mph as people were crossing roads and there was a cyclist.

"How you didn't have a crash with other road users, I just don't know.

"It was odd how you behaved and you showed a reckless disregard for anyone else on the road that day.

"You also had no regard for the impact (losing your licence would have) on your wife and children."

"How you didn't have a crash with other road users, I just don't know..."

"However, we have decided not to disqualify you, you are a very lucky man."

Hitchin was told nine points would be endorsed on his licence for the next three years. He was also fined £692 and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £277 and £85 costs.

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