A DRIVER who crashed a car then ran off and left two injured passengers behind with the burning vehicle has been jailed.

The car Hakeem Lewis-Harrison had been driving came off the A13 and smashed into a tree after he had missed the exit slip road to the A1089 at Grays.

His car then caught fire and the 21-year-old fled the scene, leaving behind two female passengers and a Luis Vuitton bag which contained a bag of cannabis.

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

Officers were able to track down Lewis-Harrison and arrest him not long after arriving at the scene.

He was later 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.

Lewis-Harrison, of Rainbow Road, London, admitted all charges and was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on August 27.

He was jailed for eight months and was disqualified from driving for three years and four months.

Speaking after sentencing, investigating officer PC Asa Smith said: “Hakeem 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.”