A driver who ran off after crashing his Nissan into trees and leaving two of his passengers behind in the burning wreckage has been jailed.

Hakeem Lewis-Harrison, from Erith, crashed while travelling on the A13 in Grays earlier this year.

He smashed into trees after missing the exit slip road to the A1089 at about 1am on February 19.

Following the crash, the car caught fire and Lewis-Harrison, of Rainbow Road, Erith fled the scene.

Two women travelling in the car were left behind by the 21-year-old, one suffering from serious injuries.

One of them, a 20-year-old, sustained a broken shin and ankle, four broken toes and an injury to her wrist. The other passenger, aged 60, sustained cuts and bruises.

Police arrived at the scene and located Lewis-Harrison shortly after the crash.

Officers also found a Luis Vuitton bag which contained a bag of cannabis.

He was charged with aggravated vehicle taking without consent, failing to stop, driving without insurance, driving otherwise in accordance with a licence, possession of a cannabis and careless driving.

He admitted all the charges and was sentenced to eight months in prison and disqualified from driving for three years and four months at Basildon Crown Court.

PC Asa Smith, who led the investigation for Essex Police, said: “Lewis-Harrison had no regard for others on the road or indeed the two women who were passengers in his car on February 19.

“Thankfully both his victims were able to get to safety as the fire took hold but the alternative does not bear thinking about.

"This incident could quite easily have been much worse for all involved.

“I hope Lewis-Harrison uses his time in prison to reflect on his actions and to plan for a more law-abiding future – in life and on the roads.”

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