Disqualified driver jailed after 120mph pursuit

A disqualified driver who drove at speeds of more than 120mph in pedestrian zones has been jailed.

Bilal Havid was clocked by DRAP PCs Murphy and Gears as they patrolled Chester-le-Street in the early hours of Saturday, June 5.

The 33-year-old sped past the officers in a BMW M4 Competition and a pursuit ensued where Havid reached speeds of more than 120mph in 30mph zones.

The pursuit was deemed too dangerous to continue and the BMW was lost but 20 minutes later, Bilal was caught on CCTV hiding in an alleyway near the Co-op store in Pelton.

Officers swiftly arrested him and took him into custody where he claimed he had been waiting for a woman and denied being the driver.

Havid, of West Pelton, was subsequently charged with dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and having no insurance.

He pleaded guilty to all charges when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday (September 7) where he was jailed for one year and five-and-a-half months and disqualified from driving for another three years.

Strategic Roads Policing Inspector Andy Howarth said: “Havid’s manner of driving was extremely dangerous and thankfully no members of the public came to any harm during this incident.

“We are happy to see his is behind bars and the roads of County Durham and Darlington are safer for it.”