Exclusive:Doncaster man crashed Audi after 90 mph police chase with pregnant 13-year-old girl in car

A 36-year-old man who crashed an Audi into a hedge after a police chase at speeds of up to 90mph in a 20mph zone was carrying a pregnant 13-year-old female passenger at the time, a court heard.

Stephen Howarth was also found with two 15-year-old boys in the car when the pursuit came to an end. Before crashing to a stop he was followed doing 90mph in a 20mph zone.

During the Doncaster town centre pursuit at around 11pm on June 5 his Audi A3 was seen going through red lights, crossing a recreation area over a field and later on the opposite carriageway on blind bends in a quiet village.

A judge told him: “Thankfully there was no damage or injury to any person but that’s entirely down to luck.”

Harrison Norton, prosecuting, told Sheffield Crown Court two police cars began pursuing Howarth when he failed to stop.

“There were three occupants in the vehicle and the two officers attempted to stop the defendant - they pursued behind,” said the prosecutor.

Mr Harrison described how Harrison shot through a red light on Great North Way and was later recorded doing 90mph in the 20mph Longlands Lane.

After his arrest police discovered Harrison was banned from driving. He also refused samples for alcohol and drugs testing.

He had 15 previous convictions for 24 offences comprising 13 driving matters including drink driving, failing to provide a specimen, driving uninsured, driving while banned and causing injury through dangerous driving.

Cheryl Dudley, representing Harrison, said he had previously served in the Army and had suffered multiple bereavements including his wife in 2008 and his father.

Recorder Caroline Sellars told him: “You were persistently driving at excessive speeds - thankfully there was no damage or industry to person but that’s entirely down to luck rather than any judgement on your part.

“It was later discovered that three youngsters were in the car and one was a 13-year-old girl. A child who was known to be pregnant and so, all the more vulnerable.”

The judge heard the night of the chase was the anniversary of Howarth’s father’s death however she told him: “That is little mitigation as you chose to bring three children into the vehicle while you offended.”

Howarth, of East Avenue, Woodlands, admitted driving while banned, dangerous driving, driving uninsured and failing to provide a sample.

He was jailed for a year and handed a three-and-a-half years with an extended retest.