Suspended sentences for smashed supercar drivers

Henry James Hibbs (27), the driver of a red Porsche 718 Cayman GTS suffered minor injuries while Carl Hartley (32), who was behind the wheel of a Ferrari 458 Italia, fled before police arrived.

Hartley later identified himself to police and said his brakes had failed, causing him to hit the Porsche in May 2018.

Traffic officer PC Rodney McEnery said: “The airbag unit from the Ferrari was shipped overseas where a professional was able to confirm at what speed the airbags in the vehicle were deployed, 68mph. The road that the cars collided on has a 50mph speed limit.

“A collisions investigator carried out extensive tests on the car to check for damage to the braking system. No damage was found.

“Within the investigation, officers appealed to the public for information and witnesses who had seen the cars earlier in the evening.

“Numerous witnesses came forward, all highlighting the ‘dangerous’, ‘unsafe’ and ‘racing style’ behaviour that the drivers had been showcasing across South Yorkshire. Both vehicles were captured on numerous CCTV footage at various locations.”

Hartley, of Swadlincote, Derbyshire, admitted dangerous driving at the start of his trial last November. He was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 24 months, plus 200 hours’ unpaid work.

He was also banned from driving for two years and ordered to take an extended test before getting behind the wheel again and told to pay £1,400 costs.

Hibbs, of New Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, denied dangerous driving but was found guilty after a week-long trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

He was given ten months in prison, suspended for 24 months, and 220 hours' unpaid work. He was also disqualified from driving for two years, ordered to take an extended test and landed with a costs bill of £4,070.

PC McEnery added: “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.”