A motorist engaged in a high-speed police pursuit, reaching speeds of 90mph before crashing into a historic bandstand and ending up submerged in a lake, according to court testimony. The incident, which caused £90,000 in damages to the Grade II-listed structure at the end of Albany Road in Southport, occurred around 3.45am on February 1. The driver, identified as Harry Mason, was spotted by a police officer on Roe Lane driving a silver Mercedes erratically. Despite attempts to pull the car over, Mason accelerated, leading to a chase towards the Promenade.
During the pursuit, witnesses observed the vehicle exceeding the 30mph speed limit and even catching air over a hill, indicating dangerously high speeds. The driver continued onto Alexandra Road without slowing down, eventually crashing into the bandstand and plunging into the Marine Lake. Photos of the submerged car circulated on social media, prompting Mason’s girlfriend to contact Merseyside Police after recognizing the vehicle.
Subsequent investigations revealed that Mason initially claimed the car had been stolen from his residence, but his girlfriend later confronted him about the truth. He eventually confessed to his actions, admitting to dangerous driving and obstructing justice. The damage to the bandstand, estimated at £90,000, has strained the resources of Sefton Council, impacting the restoration efforts of the 120-year-old structure.
In court, Mason’s defense attorney highlighted his personal struggles, including job loss and family tensions, as contributing factors to his actions. Despite having no prior criminal record, Mason received a suspended 14-month prison sentence, along with rehabilitation days, a curfew, and a driving ban. The judge emphasized the significant cost of repairing the bandstand and warned Mason of potential further financial liabilities from the local council.