Drug dealer jailed for over six years after hit-and-run in Kettering
Charlie Michael Raymond Stray was spotted by police erratically driving a stolen Vauxhall Astra in April.
Last updated 5th Dec 2024
A 23-year-old drug dealer has been sentenced to more than six years in prison after injuring a teenage boy in a hit-and-run collision while attempting to flee from police in Kettering.
Charlie Michael Raymond Stray, who had been driving a stolen silver Vauxhall Astra, was pursued by officers from the Force’s Roads Policing Team after the car triggered an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system at around 3.30pm on Saturday, April 27. The vehicle had been reported stolen.
As Stray drove from Linden Avenue into St Mary’s Road, his driving became increasingly erratic, reaching speeds of up to 60mph in a 30mph zone. Approaching the junction with London Road on the wrong side of the road, Stray struck a 15-year-old boy who was crossing the road, causing him to somersault over the car before landing on the road.
Instead of stopping to help the injured teenager, Stray fled the scene. He abandoned the car at Kettering train station and attempted to escape on foot, running across the tracks. However, he was soon arrested by officers.
A search of Stray’s person revealed 13 wraps of heroin hidden in his sock. Additionally, a mobile phone found near the stolen car contained messages linked to drug dealing activities.
Stray was charged with seven offences, including assault, dangerous driving, and drug-related crimes. On Monday, April 29, he appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody while his case was sent to Northampton Crown Court.
At a hearing on June 18, Stray pleaded guilty to charges including assault causing actual bodily harm, dangerous driving, and failing to stop after the collision. He also admitted possession with intent to supply heroin and being involved in the supply of the drug.
On November 12, Stray was sentenced to 22 months for assault and 13 months for dangerous driving, to be served concurrently. He received 53-month sentences for each drug-related offence, running concurrently but consecutively to the 22-month term, bringing his total sentence to 75 months in prison. Stray was also disqualified from driving for 62 months and will have to pass an extended driving test before regaining his licence.
Detective Constable Vicky Wiley, the lead investigator, praised the courage of the teenage boy and his family. She said, “This traumatic incident continues to affect the teenager physically and mentally. While the sentence won’t undo the harm caused, I hope it provides some solace and aids his recovery. Stray’s reckless driving put lives at risk, and it was only by sheer luck that no one was killed.”