Witham driver who caused head-on collision near Coggeshall faces jail

Harley Syder, 32, was driving a Volkswagen Bora in April when he was seen overtaking multiple vehicles in Coggeshall Road, Feering.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday how Syder then caused a head-on collision with another car after overtaking round a blind bend.

The defendant, who does not have a driving licence, was unharmed and tried to flee the scene before a member of the public reported seeing him at a nearby fishing lake.

Collision – Harley Syder caused the crash in Coggeshall Road, Feering, on April 12 (Image: Google Street View) When police arrived to arrest Syder, he was “visibly intoxicated and was slurring his words”, according to Erin Peck, prosecuting.

Syder then attempted to resist arrest by grabbing a police officer’s arms and refusing to let go.

Summarising the case, Ms Peck said: “They attempted to place him in handcuffs, however he refused to comply by keeping his arms outstretched to his sides.

“He then attempts to pull away, resulting in a police officer falling to the ground.

“He grabs PC Saunders’ forearm, squeezes, and wouldn’t let go.”

Blood tests later showed the defendant had been driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and cocaine.

Syder, of Medlar Close, Witham, admitted assault by beating of an emergency worker, dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, drink driving, drug driving, and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

Bench chair Neal Munson told Syder he will be sentenced before Ipswich Crown Court in the first week of December.

When Syder asked if he is likely to face time in jail, Mr Munson replied: “It is one of the options that will be considered, yes.”

Serious – Harley Syder will appear before a crown court judge in Ipswich in December (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Syder then said: “I would like to stress my circumstances at the time.”

Mr Munson told Syder a defence solicitor will be able to outline how the incident happened at December's sentencing hearing.

He said: “How it happened from your perspective will be heard – until then, you are on unconditional bail.

“Because of the offences we are imposing an interim disqualification which means you can’t drive your vehicle on a public road from now.”