Devon teenager banned for dangerous driving in Fleet
Nineteen-year-old Harrison Alderton drove through red lights and on the wrong side of the road
Harrison Alderton, a 19-year-old from Ilfracombe, Devon, has been banned from driving for three years.
Alderton drove a VW Golf through red lights and on the wrong side of the road in Fleet on Wednesday 22nd October last year.
Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but Alderton continued at excessive speeds before eventually coming to a halt.
Following his stop, Alderton swapped seats with Bethany McAusland, a 20-year-old passenger, and claimed he was not the driver.
However, it was later revealed that Alderton had been the driver when McAusland admitted falsely taking the blame.
Alderton pleaded guilty to driving dangerously, driving while disqualified, and attempting to prevent the course of public justice.
He received a 16-month sentence, suspended for two years, and is required to participate in a drug rehabilitation programme.
Alderton must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £787 in costs.
Bethany McAusland, from Farnborough, pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of public justice.
She has been ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and pay £714 in costs.
The sentencing took place at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 2nd October.
Police Sergeant Mike Cork said: “Harrison Alderton’s actions were reckless and dangerous, and this incident could have resulted in people being seriously injured or worse.
Not only did he put the lives of other motorists and pedestrians at risk, but he also later lied about it and tried to let someone else take the blame.
Those who choose to drive dangerously on our roads should expect to be pursued, arrested and put before the courts.”