A MAN has been jailed for eight months and disqualified from driving for more than three years after crashing into trees on the A13 and badly injuring one of his passengers.

Hakeem Lewis-Harrison careered off the road after missing the exit slip on the A13 onto the A1089 at Grays at about 1am on 19 February.

After the crash, the car caught fire and the 21-year-old fled the scene, leaving behind two female passengers, one of whom had sustained serious injuries, 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 on the scene quickly and Lewis-Harrison was located a short time later.

He was 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, Erith, London, admitted all charges and was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court.

He was sentenced to a total of eight months in jail and was disqualified from driving for three years and four months.

PC Asa Smith, who led the investigation, 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."