A 21-year-old man from Belvedere has been sentenced to six months in prison after a dangerous car chase and subsequent attempts to deceive the police.

The incident began on September 30, 2023, when an officer on patrol noticed a car meet at Hewitts Roundabout, near junction four of the M25. While speaking to a group of people, the officer heard a car engine revving and saw a white VW Polo speeding onto the roundabout.

The officer pursued the vehicle but soon lost sight of it.

A letter was sent to the registered owner of the VW Polo, who claimed he was not driving at the time and said the car had been cloned. He attempted to disguise his vehicle and sent altered photos to the police in an effort to prove his innocence.

However, after a thorough investigation, officers discovered that the car had not been cloned and that the owner was indeed driving it during the incident.

The man was subsequently charged with perverting the course of justice, driving without due care and attention, failing to stop for a police officer, and other minor traffic offences.

He appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on July 19, 2024, where he received a six-month custodial sentence.

PC Dan Goodman commented on the case, stating, “We do not underestimate the impact the anti-social use of vehicles can have on residents’ quality of life. There is often a risk to the safety of other road users and we will do all we can to target those who persistently cause a nuisance. As shown in this case, there is no hiding; those committing offences will be brought to justice.”