Driver attacked speed camera with hammer

12:32pm Tuesday 28th November 2006

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A MOTORIST who was twice flashed by the same speed camera within 90 seconds furiously climbed up the 15 foot pole and smashed it with a hammer and crow bar.

Daniel Ingram's attempt to destroy the evidence of his offending so he would not lose his job was however spotted by a passing policeman.

And although the camera was smashed beyond repair the film was salvaged and showed his Citroen Berlingo twice speeding along the 30 mph limit road.

Although the incident did not conclude well for 18-year-old Ingram, there was a happy ending for 71 other drivers flashed by the camera as the rest of the film was so damaged their details were lost.

Ingram, who is a driver for a beer wholesalers, pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice, criminal damage and two speeding offences.

Jim Clarke, prosecuting, said that Ingram, who only passed his driving test on May 19 last year, got three points on his licence for speeding three months later. As a new driver his licence falls to be revoked once six points are amassed.

Judge Graham Morrow, QC, told Ingram, of Wheatland Lane, Wallasey, Wirral: "You thought you would lose your job if you lost your licence."

He said that the offences were so serious only a custodial sentence was justified and imposed two months detention but he suspended it for 12 months.

Judge Morrow also imposed six penalty points, revoked his licence and ordered him to pay £740 compensation to Wirral Borough Council.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that the incident happened shortly before midnight on June 13 on New Chester Road, Birkenhead.

An off duty police officer saw Ingram up the static speed camera pole hitting the camera with a hammer. A uniformed officer arrived and Ingram ran off but was caught and the hammer and a crowbar were recovered.

The film was later examined and it showed his car had been flashed while travelling at 36 mph and then 90 seconds later it was flashed again doing 40 mph, said Mr Clarke.

When interviewed he admitted he had been angry and had smashed it to get away with the speeding offences.

Gareth Bellis, defending, said that Ingram suffers from ADHD and consequently lacks the ability to think things through.

"The offence was stupid and certainly not sophisticated or pre-planned."

Mr Bellis said the first time the camera flashed Ingram, who has no previous convictions, thought it was caused by the motorbike ahead and went back to see if the camera was working properly.

"He was again flashed and made the stupid decision to smash it up," said Mr Bellis. "His concern at the time was that he would lose his employment."