A motorist engaged in a high-speed police pursuit, reaching speeds of up to 90mph, ultimately crashing into a Grade II-listed bandstand and ending up submerged in a lake, a court was informed.
Harry Mason, aged 30, caused approximately £90,000 in damages to the 120-year-old bandstand located at the end of Albany Road in Southport. The incident occurred around 3:45 am on February 1, when a police officer on Roe Lane observed a silver Mercedes, driven by Mason, hitting the kerb twice before signaling for the vehicle to stop.
Instead of complying, Mason accelerated, initiating a fast-paced chase towards the Promenade. Prosecutor Hannah Darling, presenting the case at Liverpool Crown Court, highlighted that the car was seen exceeding the 30mph speed limit, visibly lifting off the ground over a hill, indicating excessive speed.
The pursuit continued onto Manchester Road and then onto Alexandra Road, where the suspect’s vehicle remained distant and did not slow down. Police dashcam footage captured the moment when Mason’s car veered off the road, crashing into the historic bandstand and subsequently diving into the Marine Lake.
Following the incident, Mason’s girlfriend recognized the submerged car from widely shared social media images and contacted the authorities. Mason initially claimed the vehicle had been stolen, but after admitting his involvement to his girlfriend, he confessed to the police. He later pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.
The damage caused to the bandstand, estimated at £90,000, was described by Alan Lake, a project manager at Sefton Council, as a significant loss to the town of Southport and its historical heritage. The council expressed concerns about the financial strain caused by the incident and the need to divert resources for repairs.
In court, Mason’s defense attorney, Damian Nolan, highlighted his client’s personal struggles, including immediate redundancy and mental health issues, as contributing factors to his actions. Despite having no prior criminal record and a positive work history, Mason was handed a 14-month suspended prison sentence, along with rehabilitation days, a curfew, and an 18-month driving ban.
Judge Denis Watson acknowledged the substantial cost of repairing the bandstand and hinted that Sefton Council might seek compensation from Mason for the restoration work in the future.