A reckless joyrider who stole a car and smashed into an ambulance on an emergency call has been locked up.
High-Speed Chase Ends in Chaos
On Friday 29 August 2025, Harry Foster-Smith, 19, swiped a Volkswagen Golf in London and sped along the M2 at over 100mph. Police chased him coastbound between junctions two and three, but he refused to stop. He then left the motorway at junction four, losing officers’ sight.
Crash Injures Two Paramedics
Shortly after, Foster-Smith’s stolen car slammed into an ambulance responding to an emergency near Gillingham on the A278 Hoath Way roundabout. Two paramedics inside were hurt and taken to hospital.
Drone and Dog Nab Driver on the Run
Foster-Smith tried to flee but was tracked down in nearby woodland thanks to Kent Police drone pilots and a police dog. Officers found class B drugs on him during the arrest.
Long List of Charges and Tough Sentence
- Dangerous driving
- Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
- Driving without insurance
- Possession of class B drugs
- Aggravated vehicle taking
- Driving without a valid licence
He admitted guilt at an earlier hearing. On Tuesday 2 December, Woolwich Crown Court sentenced him to 2 years and 8 months behind bars and banned him from driving for three years.
“Foster-Smith’s actions that day were an appalling act of recklessness and put lives at risk,” said investigating officer PC Lily Woodham. “I hope this sentence sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and those who endanger others will face serious consequences.”
