A thief who stole a vehicle and led police on a high-speed pursuit before crashing off the A303 has been sentenced.
Ben Marchant, 21, of Landguard Road, Southampton, was arrested following the crash at Barton Stacey.
On April 21, police received a report that a Vauxhall Insignia had been stolen in Ludgershall.
The vehicle was located travelling eastbound on the A303 but made off from officers and failed to stop when blue lights were activated. A pursuit was authorised, and the vehicle reached speeds of over 100mph before crashing at the junction for Barton Stacey.
Marchant was arrested and later charged with failing to stop, dangerous driving, theft of a vehicle and possession of a class B drug. Last month, he was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, disqualified from driving for five years and ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.
PC Tom Webster from the Roads Policing Unit said: “During the pursuit, Marchant drove well in excess of 100mph, putting himself and other road users at risk of injury or worse. He was unable to control the vehicle at such speed, and as he attempted to leave the A303, he crashed into a hedgerow on the slip road. The footage is really quite shocking and makes you wonder how nobody was seriously injured.
“Drivers like Marchant who show a total disregard for others should be dealt with robustly and I am pleased that a custodial sentence and lengthy disqualification has been given.”
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