Shocking video footage captured the moment a mother ran a red light and collided with a police car, causing it to catch fire.
Stacie Wright, 35, driving a white Mercedes-Benz A-Class in Birkenhead, Merseyside, crashed into the police vehicle after disregarding a red light. Flames erupted from under the bonnet of the police car following the impact.
Liverpool Crown Court was informed that Wright, a hairdresser, crossed the intersection despite the traffic lights being red for about eight seconds. Simultaneously, a police car with its blue lights flashing was proceeding through a green light on Watson Street.
Footage shown in court revealed Wright making a right turn directly into the path of the police vehicle before the collision occurred. Prosecutor Nathan Cooper commented on the clarity of the video evidence of the incident.
The police car, valued at £15,000, was totaled in the accident, incurring salvage costs of £2,500. Constable Thompson, the driver, described the collision as a “terrifying” experience.
In a victim impact statement presented to the court, the officer detailed sustaining cuts, bruising, tinnitus, and rib pain that took two months to heal. The officer expressed ongoing difficulties with sleep and relationships due to the incident.
The officer also highlighted the emotional impact on his 12-year-old child and the financial strain resulting from the necessity to take time off work and miss training due to injuries sustained in the crash.
During sentencing, Mr. Hunt, Wright’s defense attorney, described her as a hardworking single mother genuinely remorseful for the incident, which occurred around 11:15 pm on November 12, attributing it to a brief moment of inattention.
Charles Wood, Head of the Bench, remarked that the CCTV footage clearly indicated Wright had committed a severe offense by running a red light for an extended period, leading to the crash.
Wright, residing in Rock Ferry, Merseyside, received an eight-month suspended jail sentence, a 12-month driving ban, and was ordered to pay £272 in fines.