Student smashes into lamppost in high-speed chase

Police pursue drug-dealer through campus

A drug-dealing student led police on a high speed car chase around campus before crashing into a lamppost.

Then, when police raided Hamzo Mahamud’s room at the University of Kent’s halls of residence in Canterbury, a stash of Class A and B drugs were discovered.

The 21-year-old has now been handed a suspended prison sentence at Canterbury Crown Court.

Mahamud was kicked out of the university following the pursuit and drug bust, which happened at around 1.30am, the court heard. Prosecutors explained police were responding to reports of drug dealing within the campus off Giles Lane when Hamzo’s car took off.

He pulled out in front of a police patrol car and reached speeds of up to 40mph in Park Wood Road, and then smashed into bollards. Mahamud then tried cutting down a footpath through a park on the campus, before crashing into a concrete bench and ricocheting into a lamppost. After fleeing on foot, officers identified the car as Mahamud’s, then raided his bedroom on the campus, the court heard. Prosecutor Stacey Lee-holland explained the police uncovered 94 MDMA tablets potentially worth between £470 and £940. Cannabis worth up to £800 and N-ethylpentylone worth up to £280 - both class B drugs - were also discovered.

The court heard a flurry of messages on Mahamud’s phone between September and December of 2018 also showed evidence of drug dealing.

After giving a no comment interview, Mahamud pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A, two counts of possession with intent to supply a Class B, and dangerous driving.

In mitigation, Eleanor Lucas argued Mahamud had since found steady work and a home after being kicked out of university.

She added he was of previous good character, had no drink or drug issues and was fit for unpaid work.

The car chase also took place at 1.30am with no pedestrians around in December 2018, she added.

Recorder David Brock handed Mahamud, now of Bracondale Road in Abbey Wood, London, two years custody suspended for two years, six months curfew and a driving disqualification of 12 months.

He was also ordered to forfeit £586 cash.