Declan Begley
Grievous Bodily Harm *
Sentence
30 months imprisonment
Declan Begley, 28, of no fixed address but previously from Hemlington, Middlesbrough, engaged in multiple offences. On July 29, 2025, he led police on a dangerous high-speed chase through Middlesbrough, reaching speeds of up to 80mph in 30mph zones, driving through red lights, wrong way around roundabouts, and crashing into another car before being arrested with cocaine in his system. On October 12, 2025, at a woman's home, he smoked crack-cocaine, fell asleep, woke up furious over missing cocaine, smashed up the flat, and punched her in the face, causing large facial fractures and a bleed behind the eyes requiring reconstruction surgery. He also committed shoplifting offences in August and September, including stealing laundry products from a small shop after demanding money.
Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm, criminal damage, driving whilst disqualified, drug-driving, dangerous driving and theft. Banned from driving for three-and-a-half years and must take an extended re-test. Recorder Andrew Latimer presiding. Defence noted homelessness and drug use; defendant expressed remorse.