Driver who crashed into Jolly's in Whitton while fleeing police avoids jail
The driver hit the side of the Hounslow Road restaurant and flattened a crossing beacon in the early hours of 2 January. He has been given a suspended prison sentence and banned from driving.
A driver who crashed into the side of an Indian restaurant in Whitton while being chased by police has been given a suspended prison sentence.
The crash happened at about 2.38am on Friday 2 January on Hounslow Road. The car mounted the pavement, hit the side of Jolly's restaurant and flattened a crossing beacon, with a police car close behind it.
Jolly's Sugar Rush, the ice cream parlour next to the restaurant, was also damaged, as was a nearby home. No injuries have been reported.
What the CCTV shows
CCTV from the restaurant shows the car leaving the road and mounting the pavement at speed, clipping the building and knocking down the beacon at the crossing. A police vehicle can be seen following directly behind.
The restaurant released the footage soon after the crash. It said this was the worst crash in its years on the road and that it could have been much worse. People who saw the footage at the time said they were relieved nobody had been on the pavement at that moment.
The driver was arrested at the scene.
Guilty pleas and sentence
He pleaded guilty to five offences: dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, possession of cannabis, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and failing to provide a breath specimen.
At Isleworth Crown Court he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. He must also complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity and 50 hours of unpaid work.
He was banned from driving for 12 months. He must pass an extended driving test before he is allowed to drive again.
A suspended sentence means the offender does not go to prison straight away. If he commits another offence or breaks the terms of his court order during the two years, he can be sent to prison to serve the sentence.
About the extended retest
Courts order an extended driving test in serious cases such as dangerous driving. It is longer and harder than the standard practical test. Drivers given one have to apply for a provisional licence and pass both the theory test and the extended practical test before they can get a full licence back.
Hounslow Road is one of Whitton's main roads, running between Whitton, Hanworth and Hounslow and lined with shops, restaurants and homes. Jolly's has been a well-known name on the road for many years.
Anyone with information about dangerous driving can contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.