A man who performed ‘donuts’ at a car meet with a person sat on top of his vehicle has appeared in court.
Callum Ritchings, 23, of Field Barn, Kemble, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on 27th September and pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.
On 24th April, Ritchings drove his BMW to a car meet at an industrial estate in Swindon. Unbeknown to Ritchings, Wiltshire Police’s Drone Unit was in the area and drone footage showed him driving at speed in circles with approximately 150 people watching close by. The vehicle was drifting in large circles which approximately 5 feet between the car and spectators.
The drone was able to capture a person lying on top of the vehicle during the incident.
Ritchings was seen to drive off from the industrial estate and was stopped by officers who described the vehicle as being in a poor condition, with a missing front bumper, dangerous tread depth on tyres and cords exposed.
Ritchings pleaded guilty at court and was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to take a retest before he can legally drive. He must also complete 100 hours of unpaid work, pay Crown Prosecution Service costs of £85 and a surcharge of £95.
Sergeant Will Ayres, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “The drone footage of this incident is really quite shocking. Not only was Ritchings risking someone’s life by performing donuts with a person on the roof of his vehicle, but his manner of driving could have so easily caused injury or worse to the crowds of people who were stood nearby watching.
“Roads Policing Officers work in conjunction with Community Policing Teams to identify offences relating to these meets and I’d like to thank the drone unit in particular as it was their footage which enabled us to secure this conviction.
“While we fully recognise that many car enthusiasts wish to gather with like minded people at car meets in a lawful and peaceful manner, we also appreciate the disruption these incidents can cause to local communities and we will continue to take proactive steps to disrupt this behaviour.”
