A disqualified driver who fled the scene of a crash involving a moped in South Ockendon and led police on a high-speed pursuit across two counties has been jailed for 16 months.

Harmash Bunger, 47, of River Drive, Strood, Kent, was described by witnesses as “very drunk” after leaving a local pub on Daiglen Drive on the day of the incident.

Within ten minutes, he was involved in a collision with a moped rider, who was thrown from the bike. Miraculously, the rider only sustained minor injuries.

 Police Pursuit Across Essex and Kent

Roads policing officers from Essex Police attempted to stop Bunger’s VW Golf, but he refused to pull over and collided with a police car. This triggered a 20-minute pursuit that spanned from South Ockendon to the A2 in Kent.

The chase ended when Bunger attempted to exit the A2 and crashed into a marked police vehicle, where he was arrested at the scene.

He then refused to provide a breath specimen for alcohol testing, further compounding his offences.

 Seven Offences Admitted in Court

Bunger appeared in court on April 23 and admitted to the following charges:

• Dangerous driving

• Failing to stop at the scene of an accident

• Refusing to provide a specimen for analysis

• Driving while disqualified

• Driving without insurance

• Careless driving

• Failing to stop when requested by a police officer

He was sentenced to 16 months in prison and disqualified from driving for 44 months, with an order to complete an extended driving test before regaining his licence.

 Police Statement: “A Flagrant Disregard for Safety”

Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing in Essex, issued a strong statement following the sentencing:

“This is a particularly horrifying piece of dangerous driving which put other road users at risk.

Bunger has displayed a flagrant disregard for the safety of himself and others. He ignored officers’ repeated attempts to stop him, and this criminal behaviour was only stopped by our officers’ quick reactions.

Somebody could have easily been killed or seriously injured. We will not tolerate this type of driving in Essex.”