An 18-year-old drug dealer who led police on a perilous chase through Gloucester’s residential streets before escaping on foot through a children’s nursery has been sentenced to prison.
Harrison Wood, from Redditch, was handed a prison term of three years and one month at Gloucester Crown Court on Monday 21 September. The conviction followed an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit.
In addition to his imprisonment, Wood received a driving disqualification lasting three and a half years after his release and must pass an extended driving test before driving again.
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Wood had earlier pleaded guilty to several offences, including being involved in the supply of class A drugs (specifically diamorphine), dangerous driving, driving without third-party insurance, and driving without a licence.
On 25 June, police were alerted to a red Volkswagen Golf suspected stolen, seen in the Hucclecote area. Officers found the vehicle in the car park of the Wagon and Horses public house on Hucclecote Road and attempted to trap the car. Wood responded by ramming his way free, sparking a short, dangerous pursuit.
Despite significant damage to his car, Wood sped along Hucclecote Road towards Gloucester, driving recklessly. Dashcam footage showed him driving over 50mph in a 30mph zone, weaving between stationary and moving traffic, including buses, forcing other vehicles onto pavements, and passing through a red traffic light.
Officers deployed several stinger devices to stop him safely. The chase continued to Church Lane in Barnwood, where Wood collided with another vehicle before fleeing on foot.
During a foot pursuit, Wood scaled a wall and ran through the garden of a children’s nursery. This forced staff to implement emergency lockdown procedures to protect the children on-site.
Wood initially eluded capture, and the car was confirmed as a stolen vehicle from Bristol and was forensically examined.
Further investigations led police to an address on 2 July, where they found evidence of drug activity. Officers discovered white powder wraps and a blue bag containing 377 grams of a caffeine and paracetamol mixture, commonly used to bulk heroin, along with 13.03 grams of diamorphine, a strong opioid.
Wood’s mobile phone messages revealed his involvement in sourcing, transporting, and supplying controlled drugs.
He was arrested and charged in connection with the incident and pleaded guilty at a hearing on 12 August.
Following sentencing, Detective Sergeant Samantha Martin of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit commented: “This conviction highlights the grave consequences of dangerous driving and the risk it poses to other road users and the public. Wood’s choice to drive recklessly and evade police endangered lives and could have resulted in serious tragedy.
“While young people can make poor decisions, dangerous driving carries unacceptable risks. This case shows we will take firm action against those jeopardising public safety and continue to work towards safer roads and communities.”
Members of the public with concerns or information about drug dealing are encouraged to report it to police via Gloucestershire Constabulary’s website or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.