Sheffield man jailed after dangerous driving left woman, 61, with a broken back

A Sheffield man is behind bars after his dangerous driving led to a high speed police chase and left one of his victims with a broken back.
Aaron Hartigan, 24, of Pot House Lane, Sheffield, was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous drivingAaron Hartigan, 24, of Pot House Lane, Sheffield, was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving
Aaron Hartigan, 24, of Pot House Lane, Sheffield, was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving

Aaron Hartigan, 24, of Pot House Lane, Sheffield appeared in court on Wednesday, April 21 charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a pursuit in 2018 that left two victims with lasting injuries.

On August 13 that year, PC Wes Turner from the Roads Policing Group was on patrol in Chapeltown when he became aware of a Volvo S60 driving in an inappropriate manner.

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PC Turner, who pursued Hartigan, said: “I became aware of a Volvo S60 and its driver, who was later identified as Hartigan, driving at speed and dangerously through Sheffield.

“I eventually caught up with the car, which was driving in excess of 90mph and was overtaking vehicles dangerously, including on blind bends. I illuminated my blue lights and requested the vehicle to stop.

“Hartigan failed to do so and a pursuit commenced. At one point in the pursuit, Hartigan passed through a red traffic light narrowly avoiding a collision with other vehicles crossing in front of him. Hartigan came to a stop after colliding with a bus and Ford Focus on Blacksmith Lane, Grenoside.

“The Ford Focus was spun around 180 degrees and the passenger of the car, a 61-year-old woman, suffered a broken back.

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“Hartigan exited his vehicle and fled the scene, with no regard for the injuries he had caused to others. He was later caught and arrested.”

“Hartigan maintained his innocence throughout questioning, delaying the case. Hard work from our Roads Policing Group ensured that Hartigan was put before the courts, where he pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving on 14 April.”

PC Turner added: “During a pursuit we dynamically assess the risk to the public, police and fleeing driver continuously. We don’t want anyone to become hurt, and unfortunately in this case, an innocent woman and her husband did suffer injuries.

“Hartigan showed no remorse for his actions or the physical and emotional pain and distress he caused.”

Hartigan was sentenced to three years in prison and has been disqualified from driving for four and a half years.