Man jailed after crashing stolen car during police pursuit on A303

A man who stole a car and led police on a high-speed pursuit before crashing off the A303 has been jailed.

Ben Marchant, 21, of Landguard Road, Southampton, was arrested following the crash at Barton Stacey.

Police received a report on 21st April that a Vauxhall Insignia had been stolen in Ludgershall.

The car was found travelling eastbound on the A303 but failed to stop when officers activated their blue lights.

A pursuit was authorised, and police say the car reached speeds of more than 100mph before crashing at the junction for Barton Stacey.

Marchant was arrested and later charged with failing to stop, dangerous driving, theft of a vehicle and possession of a class B drug.

Last month, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, disqualified from driving for five years and ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.

PC Tom Webster, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: "During the pursuit, Marchant drove well in excess of 100mph, putting himself and other road users at risk of injury or worse. He was unable to control the vehicle at such speed and as he attempted to leave the A303, he crashed into a hedgerow on the slip road. The footage is really quite shocking and makes you wonder how nobody was seriously injured."

He added: "Drivers like Marchant who show a total disregard for others should be dealt with robustly and I am pleased that a custodial sentence and lengthy disqualification has been given."