Sheffield: ‘Racing’ drivers avoid jail after destroying Ferrari and Porsche in crash
Written by News on 16/01/2020
Two supercar drivers have avoided immediate jail terms after crashing their cars while driving in a “dangerous” way.
Witnesses said the two motorists had been driving in a “racing style” before the crash on the Tinsley roundabout in Sheffield.
South Yorkshire Police released images of the smashed-up cars, showing the red Porsche and grey Ferrari 458 which were involved in the incident on 20 May 2018 at 7.55pm.
The Porsche driver, Henry James Hibbs, 27, suffered minor injuries in the crash but the Ferrari driver, Carl Hartley, 32, fled the scene before the police arrived.
He later identified himself as being the other driver involved in the crash but claimed his brakes had failed.
But checks to the car found there was no damage to the brakes. Investigators also found the Ferrari’s airbags had deployed with the vehicle travelling at 68mph.
The road the crash happened on has a 50mph limit, according to South Yorkshire police.
Hibbs, of New Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, was found guilty of dangerous driving at Sheffield Crown Court.
Hartley, from Swadlincote, Derbyshire, admitted the same offence at the start of the trial.
Hibbs was given a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and 220 hours of unpaid work.
Hartley was sentenced to nine months in jail, suspended for two years, and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
They were both disqualified from driving for two years.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
PC Rod McEnery said: “Numerous witnesses came forward, all highlighting the ‘dangerous’, ‘unsafe’ and ‘racing style’ behaviour that the drivers had been showcasing across South Yorkshire.
“Vehicles racing and travelling at speed are a dangerous combination and this collision could have seriously injured the drivers and innocent road users.
“I hope Hibbs and Hartley reflect on what consequences their actions could have had.”
(c) Sky News 2020: Sheffield: ‘Racing’ drivers avoid jail after destroying Ferrari and Porsche in crash
