This footage was filmed and produced 9 January 2023.

A man has pleaded guilty to driving offences following a dangerous pursuit through Melksham. Leroy Harding, 35, of Elm Grove, Southdown, Bath, appeared in Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (11th January) charged with dangerous driving, possession of cannabis and driving while disqualified. He pleaded guilty to all three offences and has been remanded in custody. He will be sentenced at Swindon Crown Court next month.

Wiltshire Police officers were alerted to Harding driving dangerously through Melksham at about 9.25pm on Monday evening, 9th January and quickly gave pursuit. Officers witnessed Harding speeding at more than 70mph in a 30mph zone, driving down pavements to avoid cars and going the wrong way around the roundabout in the town centre. He then continued on the wrong side of the road, overtaking cars. The pursuit came to an end when Harding crashed his car, before fleeing on foot. He was then caught and arrested by officers.

Detective Constable Ian Tilley of the Fortitude Team said: “Harding’s actions were incredibly reckless and it’s a miracle that no one was injured. Considering the pursuit took place at 9.30pm, there could have been any number of pedestrians out, as well as other drivers, and Harding put all their lives in danger. I’m pleased that he pleaded guilty, and he has now been remanded in custody.”

Wiltshire Police were called at around 9.25pm to reports of Harding driving dangerously through Melksham. Officers quickly gave pursuit before he crashed his car and fled on foot. Harding was eventually caught and arrested. He will be sentenced at Swindon Crown Court next month.