Man, 18, convicted after police chase through Midhurst

A man who let police on a car chase through Midhurst has been convicted.
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Kierian Morgan, 18, unemployed, of no fixed address risked 'numerous lives' as he led police on a car chase through the town last month.

Police were on patrol on the A286 about 12.45pm on 3 March when they spotted a Toyota Yaris registered to an unlicensed driver.

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They signalled for it to stop, but the driver continued on his journey and made several dangerous overtakes into the path of oncoming traffic, including on the approach to bends and contravening solid double white lines in the road which prohibits overtaking.

The driver reached speeds of approximately 60mph in a 30mph zone and eventually pulled into a layby, where he was arrested and identified as Kieran Morgan,

After being required to undergo a roadside test for alcohol and drugs, he replied: “I may be stupid enough to drive on a provisional licence, but I’m not stupid enough to drink or drug-drive," police have said.

His 17-year-old girlfriend was also in the vehicle at the time, and in police interview Morgan added that he only stopped at the request of her mother, who was on the phone to her during the pursuit.

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He was charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop when required by police and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Kieran Morgan convicted of dangerous driving, MidhurstKieran Morgan convicted of dangerous driving, Midhurst
Kieran Morgan convicted of dangerous driving, Midhurst

He pleaded guilty to all three offences, and at Portsmouth Court on 19 April, Morgan was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months and must take an extended re-test should he wish to drive again, and is required to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Arresting officer, PC Steve Bucksey, of the Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Inexperience behind the wheel as a provisional licence holder, combined with a series of dangerous manoeuvres and excessive speed, is a lethal mix.

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"Morgan created this dangerous environment for all road users, as well as himself, and it’s extremely fortunate this incident ended without tragedy.

“Morgan showed a clear disregard for his passenger and other road users that day, almost colliding head-on with other vehicles, forcing them to take evasive action.

“Collisions where fatal and life changing injuries occur is tragic for all those involved, from the family and the witnesses, to the emergency services responding.

"We are committed to reducing the number of avoidable collisions through our education and enforcement of the ‘fatal five’ offences – speeding, drink/drug-driving, mobile phone use, not wearing a seatbelt and careless driving.”