A man involved in the crash of his girlfriend’s car into a lake claimed to the police that the vehicle had been stolen. Harry Mason, 30, drove recklessly, reaching speeds of 90mph during a chase in Southport. The pursuit ended with the car colliding with a Grade II-listed bandstand before submerging in the lake, causing significant damage to the bus shelter, estimated at £90,000.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of February 1, when an officer observed a silver Mercedes repeatedly hitting the kerb. Despite the officer’s attempts to pull the car over, Mason chose to evade the police, leading to a high-speed pursuit. Dashcam footage captured the Mercedes speeding along Albany Road before crashing into the historic bus shelter and entering the lake.
During the court proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that Mason had been driving well above the speed limit of 30mph, endangering public safety. Mason’s girlfriend, upon recognizing her car in the widely shared photos of the submerged vehicle, contacted Merseyside Police. Initially, Mason falsely claimed the car had been stolen, but later confessed to his actions.
The damaged bandstand, valued at £90,000, was described as a cherished 120-year-old landmark by Alan Lake from Sefton Council. The council expressed concerns about the financial strain caused by the repairs, emphasizing the impact on resources diverted from other essential areas due to the incident. Mason, who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice, received a suspended prison sentence, rehabilitation days, and a driving ban.
Defending Mason, Damian Nolan highlighted his client’s challenging personal circumstances at the time of the incident, including imminent job loss and family pressures. Judge Denis Watson warned Mason about potential further financial liabilities for the shelter’s restoration, indicating that Sefton Council might pursue him for compensation.