Jail for Hartlepool man who threw chair at fiancee and led police on 80mph car chase

Leon Adams, 23, threw a metal chair at his fiancee during an argument which hit her on the head.

Five months later, he led police on a lengthy pursuit around Hartlepool in a BMW which ended when he lost control and crashed into a parked car and wall.

Adams was jailed for 15 months at Teesside Crown Court for what the judge said were both “serious matters”.

The domestic assault happened on February 26 last year following a cocaine binge the night before.

Joseph Hedworth, prosecuting, said Adams was going downstairs followed by his partner as they argued.

“At some stage the defendant lashed out and picked up a metal chair and threw it over his shoulder at the victim,” said Mr Hedworth.

"That chair struck her on the head.”

He also put his hands around her neck. When the police arrived after being called by paramedics, the woman was covered in blood from a large gash on her head.

Adams, of Innes Road, Hartlepool, admitted unlawful wounding and told police he was ashamed.

Five months later in the early hours of July 20, he sparked the long car chase after failing to stop when police noticed him driving erratically on Elwick Road.

Adams, who was banned from driving and almost three times over the alcohol limit, drove through red lights, on the wrong side of roads and at speeds of up to 80mph.

The chase spanned Owton Manor, the Fens and Belle Vue before finally coming to a stop in Maxwell Road where Adams hit a parked Ford Focus.

He admitted dangerous driving, drink driving, driving while disqualified and having no insurance.

Thomas Parsons-Munn, defending, said the offences all stemmed from Adams resorting to alcohol and drugs to deal with potential mental health issues.

He said prison would be much more difficult due to Adams’ disability.

But Recorder Jamie Hill QC said the offences were too serious to suspend the prison sentence.

Adams was also banned from driving for three years and seven months.

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