Road ban for Mazda driver who careered into crowd

Police says the car was dangerous as it had exposed tyre chords, missing parts and modifications

A man who seriously injured a person at a car meet has been disqualified from driving for two years and given an 18-month suspended sentence.

Albert Hall, 22, was “drifting” around a roundabout in Forli Strada, Peterborough, when he lost control of the purple Mazda MX-5 and careered into a crowd of spectators.

The car hit a 21-year-old man, leaving him with a bleed on his brain, fractured skull and injuries to his legs.

Hall, from Stanwick, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Cambridge Crown Court.

Hall will be required to pass an extended driving retest after his two-year ban

After the crash on 2 September 2023, Hall left the scene but returned a short while later and his car was found hidden a short distance away.

He was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for 18 months, and has been required to complete a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 120 hours of unpaid work.

PC Chris Euerby, from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said: “The victim was left with life-changing injuries, but it could have been a lot worse. Not only was Hall’s manner of driving a concern, but the modifications to the vehicle made it extremely dangerous and unroadworthy.

“Car meets are a chance for enthusiasts to meet up, admire other vehicles and often intended to be good-natured events, but there are sometimes a few who can ruin it for others with them having a history of becoming anti-social and causing the local community misery due to behaviour such as excessive noise with revving of engines and loud music, as well as reckless and dangerous driving as seen in this case.

“I hope this sends out a clear message... anyone found driving dangerously or in an unroadworthy vehicle will be dealt with robustly.”

Officers seized the car and found it was dangerous and would not pass an MOT, as it had exposed tyre chords, missing parts and modifications.

Hall will be required to pass an extended driving retest after his two-year ban.