A man who drove his partner’s vehicle into a lake claimed to law enforcement that the car had been stolen. Harry Mason, 30, engaged in a reckless chase with the police in Southport, reaching speeds of 90mph before crashing the car into a Grade II-listed bandstand and the lake, resulting in £90,000 worth of damage to the historic bus shelter dating back 120 years. The incident unfolded at 3:45 am on February 1 when an officer observed a silver Mercedes hitting the kerb multiple times and signaled for the vehicle to stop. Ignoring the police’s instructions, Mason accelerated away, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
Footage from the police dashcam revealed that the officer lost sight of the speeding Mercedes as it proceeded onto Albany Road. Eventually, Mason drove over the road, collided with the Victorian bus shelter, and plunged into the Marine Lake. The prosecution, represented by Hannah Darling in Liverpool Crown Court, highlighted that Mason was speeding significantly, with the car appearing to lift off the ground over a hill and showing no signs of slowing down as it navigated various roads.
Following the incident, photographs of the submerged car circulated widely on social media platforms, leading Mason’s girlfriend to contact Merseyside Police after recognizing her vehicle. Subsequently, Mason initially claimed to authorities that the car had been stolen from their residence, along with his phone, keys, and money from the kitchen. However, his girlfriend later confronted him, prompting Mason to confess to his actions. He admitted to dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.
Sefton Council’s project manager, Alan Lake, estimated the damage caused to the bandstand at around £90,000, lamenting the impact on limited resources and the historical significance of the structure. Despite Mason’s previously clean record, his defense attorney, Damian Nolan, explained his client’s mental state and personal challenges at the time of the incident. Nolan emphasized Mason’s remorse and cooperation with the authorities, citing his lack of prior legal issues and positive employment history.
Ultimately, Mason, residing in Southport, received a suspended 14-month prison sentence, coupled with rehabilitation days and a curfew. Additionally, he faced an 18-month driving ban, with a requirement to pass an extended driving test post-disqualification. Judge Denis Watson acknowledged the significant cost of repairing the shelter and warned Mason that Sefton Council might pursue him for restitution.