12 hours ago
Watch: Motorist in ‘high-speed chase' with hit-and-run driver
A hit-and-run incident that sparked a high-speed chase through residential streets in Dorset has been described as a 'moment of complete stupidity' in court.
Dashcam footage released by the Crown Prosecution Service shows driver Gavin Webb being hit by another vehicle, which mounted the kerb and cut him up in Poole on Feb 4.
Mr Webb is then shown speeding after the driver who crashed into him, overtaking other cars while calling 999 to report the incident.
The 48-year-old later handed the footage to police, who instead used it to prosecute him for dangerous driving.
The other motorist involved did not face any charges, with Dorset Police saying that 'no evidence was found to warrant prosecution'. His insurance also paid for the damage caused in the initial collision.
After the initial chase, Mr Webb, a sales accounts manager for a historic coin company, managed to block the other driver's path with his own vehicle. He then stepped out of his car to inform the other driver that the police were on their way.
The driver eventually managed to speed off by 'ramming' Mr Webb out of the way, and he again decided to follow the car.
Mr Webb later found the Vauxhall car abandoned on a dead end road, and immediately gave his dashcam footage to two police officers, who he claimed informed him he had done a 'good job'.
The other driver was later identified and attended a voluntary police interview, but was not charged.
Mr Webb, a father of three, faced the prospect of jail if he did not admit the charge.
'Pure' intentions
James Moore, the defendant's lawyer, told the court that his intentions were 'pure', and that the 'system' had gone 'after the good guy'. He added: 'This is an incredibly unique offence. The chap who made off is the instigator and protagonist of this whole incident.
'He illegally and dangerously cuts up Mr Webb, who is moving forward and there's a collision. He was not responsible for that accident.
'He rings 999 and says 'please come as quick as you can'. Not once does the controller say desist, don't follow him. He is actively encouraged to pursue. He was driving in a manner which is in control, and gives a very informed commentary. He has not collided with any vehicles, he has not injured any persons.
'If the guy who had been driving that car had been found with a load of weapons or drugs, [Mr Webb] wouldn't be here today – he would be applauded for apprehending him.
But Nicola Rees, prosecuting, said the dashcam video showed Mr Webb driving dangerously through residential roads at high speeds.
She said: 'He captured the initial incident on dashcam – he could have reported it. Instead, he went on a high-speed chase through busy streets and residential roads, dangerous driving himself. It was a deliberate decision to ignore the rules of the road. He sped significantly in excess of the limit.'
Michael Harris, the chairman of the bench, said it was a 'moment of complete stupidity', adding that Mr Webb was lucky he did not hit a pedestrian or car pulling out from a side road.
Mr Webb was given a 12-month community order with a requirement to carry out 30 hours of unpaid work, and was banned from driving for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.
