AN 18-year-old man has been banned from driving for three years after pleading guilty to dangerous driving.
Harry Biberger, of Bratton, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Friday 30 September charged with dangerous driving, and driving without a licence and insurance.
At approximately 2.20pm on 17 July 2016, an off duty police officer spotted a suspicious red Fiat Punto being driven in the Bradley Road area of Trowbridge.
When officers attempted to stop the vehicle safely, Biberger, who was driving the vehicle, mounted the pavement in order to drive around the police vehicle, failing to stop for officers.
He then drove the wrong way around a roundabout, before travelling at excess speeds and narrowly missing other motorists.
As he turned into Dursley Road, he crashed the vehicle into metal railings, forcing three pedestrians including a child, to run out of the way of the car.
Biberger and his two passengers then left the vehicle and ran from the scene.
Four days later, officers attended Biberger’s home address to arrest him for the earlier offences. On arrival, Biberger attempted to jump from his bedroom window but was forced to climb back inside after spotting Police Dog Billie and her handler waiting outside, who had pre-empted his attempt to escape.
Biberger was arrested and later charged. As well as receiving a three-year driving ban, Biberger was also given a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months.
PC Derek Buswell said, “Unfortunately, for Biberger, Police Dog Billie was waiting for him on the ground, leaving him with no other option but to climb back inside and face officers.
“His actions on 17th July were witnessed by a number of motorists, pedestrians and residents in Trowbridge – several of whom were lucky to have escaped injury.
“Biberger drove in an extremely dangerous manner, at high speed and in the wrong direction, before losing control of the vehicle and crashing it into railings. But it didn’t stop there – he then abandoned the vehicle and ran from the scene.
“I would like to thank all those people who witnessed the incident and came forward to speak to police to provide witness statements. This helped ensure a successful outcome at court.
“I am pleased with the sentencing handed down to Biberger – it means he will not be troubling the roads and residents of Trowbridge for some time.”
