Dangerous driver jailed

The campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour and nuisance vehicles continues with the driver of this vehicle receiving a prison sentence.

An officer on patrol came across a car meet at Hewitts Roundabout, just off junction four of the M25 on 30 September 2023. As he was speaking to a group of people, his attention was drawn to a car engine revving and then a white VW Polo racing onto the roundabout. The officer began a pursuit but lost sight of the vehicle.

A letter was sent to the registered owner of the vehicle but he claimed it was not him driving and it had been cloned. He made efforts to disguise the VW by altering the appearance of his vehicle before sending photos to officers to try and prove it wasn’t his car involved.

Following an investigation officers established the vehicle had not been cloned, and the suspect had in fact been driving it at the time of the offence.

The 21 year-old from Belvedere was charged with perverting the course of justice, driving without due care and attention, failing to stop for a police officer and other minor traffic offences, and received a six month custodial sentence when he appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on 19 July 2024.

PC Dan Goodman said: ‘We do not underestimate the impact the anti-social use of vehicles can have on residents’ quality of life.

‘There is often a risk to the safety of other road users and we will do all we can to target those who persistently cause a nuisance.

‘As shown in this case, there is no hiding, those committing offences will be brought to justice.’