A MOTORIST who took his mother’s car has been slammed for his “ridiculous and completely irresponsible” driving as he led police on a high-speed chase.
Andrew Smith led officers on a pursuit in Brighton, including through residential streets.
Footage shows the 22-year-old weaving in and out of traffic as he hit 70mph in a 30mph zone.
He ignored red lights and junctions, and travelled on the wrong side of the road at various points – going the wrong way down the slip road at the A27 at Hollingbury.
Pursuing police were forced to ram the Honda RV to prevent Smith causing a head-on collision with other motorists.
Lewes Crown Court heard how Smith showed “deliberate disregard for safety” during the pursuit.
He was given an eight-month suspended prison sentence for dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, driving without a licence, driving without insurance, and failing to stop when required by police.
Footage shows Andrew Smith's dangerous driving through Brighton
Now, Sussex Police has shared footage of the chase, which shows Smith’s “reckless” dangerous driving.
Read more on this story: Police ram dangerous driver going wrong way down A27 slip road
Commentary on the video starts with police saying the driver has failed to stop in Preston Road in Brighton.
Instead, Smith picks up speed, and is very soon reaching speeds of 70mph in the 30mph zone.
He goes onto the wrong side of the road through Hollingdean and through red lights.
Footage shows Andrew Smith's dangerous driving through Brighton
Later the officer describes how there are sparks flying front the front tyre of the vehicle as Smith turned into Coldean Lane.
He then becomes a “high risk” when he ignores the no entry signs for the A27 slip road, and police make “tactical contact” to stop him.
Arresting officer Sergeant Colin Bowden said: “The manner of Smith’s driving was reckless, ridiculous and completely irresponsible. He showed absolutely no regard for the safety of himself or other road users, taking significant risks in an attempt to get away from us.
“This case should serve as a warning to others that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with our colleagues, partners and the community to take action against those who misuse our roads.”
Footage shows Andrew Smith's dangerous driving through Brighton
His Honour Judge Martin Huseyin said: “The driving was so bad he got pretty close to killing himself and the passenger.”
Smith, formerly of Churchill Road, Smallfield, Surrey was convicted and was put under curfew.
Sussex Police said: “This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will continue to take action against those who misuse our roads.”
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