A DANGEROUS driver who led police on a 90mph police chase on 40mph roads has been condemned by traffic police for risking countless lives.

Leon Turner, 20, of Ness Road, Shoebury avoided jail but has been banned from driving for two years.

Insp Rob Brettell, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: “Turner showed total disregard for the safety of his passenger and everyone else using the roads of Southend when he decided to drive at speeds in excess of twice the speed limit.

“This had catastrophic consequences when he lost control and crashed, leaving a young woman with life threatening injuries.

“Instead of waiting or providing first aid, he decided to run away, leaving her trapped in a car.

“Turner was found to be twice the legal drug drive limit for cannabis, which I have no doubt affected his decision-making and physical ability to drive a car.

“We will continue in our attempts to make the roads of Essex safer by targeting drug drivers and those without insurance or driving licences.”

The crash took place in November 2018 following a chase on the A127 and crash in the A13 near Leigh Road.

Turner, 20, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving, drug-driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, failing to report a collision, failing to stop for police, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without insurance, failing to give driver details, possession of cocaine and possession of cannabis.

He was given a two year suspended sentence, ordered to carry out 120 hours unpaid work and 40 days rehabilitation activity and wear a tag for four months.