Drunk-driver jailed after 100mph North Yorkshire chase

Connor Richard Lacey Ham, 31 of Nattrass Walk in Bedale was arrested during the early hours of Sunday, December 21.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said officers on proactive drink and drug drive patrols attempted to stop Ham driving a Mercedes Benz A-class at 3.55am that morning in the village of Kirklington-cum-Upsland.

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The spokesperson said: “Traffic Constable Michael Mcvay TC Mcvay pursued Ham during which he went on the wrong side of the carriageway and exceeded 100mph towards Ripon.

“Ham went around the Hutton Bank roundabout in Ripon before he headed back on the A61 towards the A1.

“A stinger device was set up and used to puncture the tyres on the Mercedes but despite this Ham continued to drive.

“He eventually was forced to stop when he collided with a police vehicle which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

“The Mercedes was boxed in on the roundabout at Junction 50 of the A1(M) which is when Ham was finally detained by officers.

“He was arrested for failing to provide, dangerous driving and failing to stop for the police.”

“In custody he blew 76microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath which exceeded the prescribed limit.

“He was charged with dangerous driving and driving over the prescribed limit.”

Ham appeared before York Crown Court yesterday (Friday, February 6) where he was sentenced for driving a motor vehicle when above the legal limit and dangerous driving.

He was sent to prison for 12 months and received a driving ban for two years and six months.

Speaking after the sentencing, Traffic Constable Michael Mcvay from North Yorkshire Police said: “Day in day out people drive whilst intoxicated, it’s not only dangerous but truly selfish.

“Ham drove dangerously at speed whilst over the drink drive limit with no regard for the safety of other road users.

“This reckless behaviour could have harmed innocent motorists causing long lasting trauma across our communities.

“The defendant is very lucky that no one was seriously injured due to his dangerous driving in the early hours of that morning.

“There is simply no excuse for dangerous driving and we will continue to be relentless in our approach to intercepting those who puts the lives of other motorists in danger.”