A teenager from South London has been sent to prison after a high-speed police pursuit in a stolen car culminated in a catastrophic collision with an emergency ambulance.
Reckless Pursuit on the M2
Harry Foster-Smith, aged 19 and from Bexleyheath, was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf reported stolen from London on August 29. When police attempted to stop him, he initiated a dangerous chase, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour on the M2 motorway.
After managing to evade officers temporarily near junction four, the fleeing driver entered a roundabout connecting to the A278 Hoath Way near Gillingham. It was there that the stolen vehicle smashed into an ambulance that was responding to an emergency call.
Paramedics Injured and Scene Abandoned
The force of the impact was so severe that it left the ambulance lying on its side. Two paramedics inside the vehicle sustained injuries and required hospital treatment. This critical incident also meant they were unable to reach the patient who was waiting for their emergency care.
Foster-Smith did not remain at the scene of the crash. Instead, he fled on foot, prompting Kent Police to launch an extensive search operation. Officers utilised a drone and a police sniffer dog, which eventually tracked down the teenager hiding in a nearby area of woodland.
Guilty Plea and Court Sentencing
At Woolwich Crown Court, Foster-Smith pleaded guilty to a catalogue of serious offences. These included dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, and driving without a licence or insurance. He also admitted to possession of a Class B drug.
On December 2, the court handed down a sentence of two years and eight months in a young offenders' institution. The judge also ordered that his driving licence be revoked for a period of three years.
Investigating officer, PC Lily Woodham, condemned the teen's actions. She stated: "Foster-Smith’s actions that day were an appalling act of recklessness and put lives at risk. I hope this sentence sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and those who endanger others will face serious consequences."
