A 19-year-old driver from Bromley has been handed a suspended prison sentence after crashing through the front of a house in a 130mph police chase. The terrifying incident occurred in Westfield, near Hastings, with a family narrowly avoiding disaster, having left their living room moments before the crash.
High-Speed Chase
Samin Ahmed, of Tavistock Road, Bromley, was behind the wheel of his father’s BMW on February 16 when Sussex Police spotted him speeding near Hastings. Ahmed attempted to evade officers, reaching speeds of 130mph in a 60mph zone on the A2690 Coombe Valley Way.
Ahmed made a treble-overtaking manoeuvre and continued to flee at dangerous speeds despite the police’s blue lights. The chase ended when he lost control of the vehicle on Church Lane in Westfield, smashing into a residential home.
£375,000 Damage to Home
The collision caused £375,000 worth of damage to the house, forcing the family to move out for months while repairs were made. Fortunately, no one was injured in the crash. DNA evidence on the deployed airbag confirmed Ahmed as the driver.
Police Reaction
PC Lloyd Archer, who was on patrol that evening, condemned Ahmed’s actions, saying:
“Ahmed’s reckless driving was appalling. He risked his own life as well as the safety of every other road user and resident and is extremely lucky he did not cause a fatality that night. We are determined to catch offenders and prevent drivers from causing harm to themselves and innocent members of the public.”
Sentencing
Ahmed appeared at Lewes Crown Court on November 7, where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and causing criminal damage. He was sentenced to:
- 18 months in prison, suspended for two years
- 250 hours of unpaid work
- Completion of 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement sessions
- A two-year driving ban
- Ordered to pay a £187 surcharge and £1,000 in court costs
Ahmed’s reckless actions have served as a stark reminder of the dangers of excessive speeding and evading police.
