A lot of stories about morons driving dangerously coming through at the moment.
Self-certified lunatic, car thief, and banned driver – James Michael Ramsden, 25 (see if you can pick him out in the picture, opposite) – drove the wrong way on a busy ring road at speeds exceeding 100mph before crashing head-on with another motorist. The other driver was seriously injured.
He was already banned, and was in a stolen car when he was chased by police. Police were “shocked” at Ramsden’s “lack of remorse” over what had happened.
The Judge hit out at national guidelines, which meant he could only award a jail sentence of 2 years – reduced by four months for pleading guilty – plus additional sentences for other crimes. Ramsden was put away for 2 years 9 months!
The other driver spent 11 days in hospital (some in intensive care) and is still off work. Ramsden, as you can see (he’s on the left, I think), came out without a scratch.
Judge Ashurst told Ramsden: “Your driving was quite ludicrous. At every turn you demonstrated yourself to be arrogant, selfish and irresponsible.”
A very apt label – and one that can be applied to anyone who speeds or drives dangerously.