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Hartlip duo charged with drugs offences after police chase through Rochester and Chatham ends in Gillingham crash

10:15, 01 August 2024

updated: 08:41, 07 August 2024

Two suspected drug dealers have been arrested after a police chase through the town centre.

Officers spotted a Ford Focus driving what they thought was too fast through a residential area at around 8.50pm on Tuesday in Delce Road, Rochester.

A Ford Focus crashed into parked cars in Strover Street, Gillingham, after a police chase through Rochester and Chatham. Picture: Graham Long
A Ford Focus crashed into parked cars in Strover Street, Gillingham, after a police chase through Rochester and Chatham. Picture: Graham Long

After constables asked the driver to stop, he failed to do so which led to a pursuit through Chatham town centre.

The vehicles eventually stopped after parked cars were struck in Strover Street, Gillingham, and cocaine, cannabis as well as mobile phones were found inside the car which was later discovered to be stolen.

A police spokesman added: “A man and a woman were arrested and taken into custody.”

Jack Larkin, 31, and Mary Couchman, 21, both of Spade Lane, Hartlip, were later charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Larkin was also charged with dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, no insurance and handling stolen property.

A man and woman have been charged following the police chase. Picture: Graham Long
A man and woman have been charged following the police chase. Picture: Graham Long

The suspects were remanded in custody to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on August 1.

Larkin pleaded guilty to the drug dealing and driving offences, and was conditionally bailed to a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court to be sentenced on a date to be confirmed.

The handling charge was discontinued.

However, Couchman pleaded not guilty to the offences and was conditionally bailed to a hearing at the same court on August 30.

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