Dangerous driver jailed after crashing stolen car into stationary traffic

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A dangerous driver has been jailed for 18 months after crashing a stolen car into stationary traffic in Darlington.

Officers from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit spotted a white Kia Sportage being driven by Carl Hollywood near Morton Park on December 9 last year.

The car had been reported as stolen from a property in Darlington the previous day.

Officers activated their blue lights and sirens and signalled for the car to stop, which Hollywood ignored.

Instead, he headed off at speed towards McMullen Road, reaching speeds of 70mph in a 30mph zone and performing dangerous overtakes, causing other road users to take evasive action to avoid being hit.

The 36-year-old then collided with two stationary vehicles before coming to rest on Tornado Way, where he was arrested by officers and taken into police custody.

Hollywood, of Chilton, was charged with dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, using a vehicle with no insurance, and theft.

He pleaded guilty to the offences and appeared at Teesside Crown Court today (February 12) for sentencing where he received an 18-month prison sentence.

He was also banned from driving for three years and nine months.

Inspector Andy Howarth, from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit, said: “Hollywood’s dangerous and reckless use of the roads that day put innocent people at risk.

“A car in the wrong hands is a lethal weapon - it was by sheer luck that no-one was seriously injured as a result of Hollywood’s actions, or worse, killed.

“I hope he spends the time in prison reflecting on the choices he made that day and the devastation they could have caused.”

Hollywood was also charged with assaulting an emergency worker. He will appear back at court on May 15 to face this charge.