SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR DANGEROUS DRIVER

TWO GIRLS were thrown out of a speeding Vauxhall Frontera when it went out of control at a roundabout in Tring.

Rebecca Johnson was left with a shoulder injury and Emily Green had to have a metal plate inserted in a wrist after being ejected from the overcrowded Frontera which was being driven at between 70 and 80 miles per hour through the town on a Saturday evening.

Prosecutor Simon Wilshire told St Albans crown court there were five or six people in the car which was being driven by Lee Johnston, 22, who had never passed a test and had no insurance. One of the girls was sitting on the floor of the car

The prosecutor said: "Mr Johnston was trying to impress the young girls and went for a drive in which his speed exceeded 70 to 80 miles per hour."

After the girls were thrown out of the car on London Road, Johnston continued to drive for another 500 yards before stopping.

The Frontera was later found burnt out and Johnston was party to a phone call to the police to say that it had been stolen before the accident.

Unemployed Johnston, previously of Mary Cross Close, Wigginton, Tring, but now living in Cresswell Road, Chesham, admitted driving dangerously on the night of 29 June 2008. He also admitted perverting the course of justice.

Defence lawyer David Wales said Johnston "now appreciated the seriousness of his actions." He said he had not driven since the night and does not feel comfortable in a car.

He said Johnston had moved and was now living with his partner and her child. He said: "He has stopped the use of illicit substances and doesn't drink to excess anymore."

Judge John Plumstead told him: "You had no right to at all. You were in an overcrowded vehicle with one girl sat on the floor. You drove ridiculously fast and couldn't control the vehicle properly. You have shown yourself to be a bad driver who ought not to be allowed on the roads until you have passed an extended test."

The judge said he was able to suspend a jail sentence because Johnston has stayed out of trouble since the accident and had settled down with a "decent young woman".

He passed a 9 month jail sentence suspended for 2 years. In addition he must carry out 200 hours unpaid work and be subject to a 4 month curfew between 8pm and 3am Sunday to Friday. On Saturdays he will be allowed out with his partner. He was also banned from driving for 2 years and must take an extended test.



February 2010