A delivery driver who attempted to destroy the speed camera which flashed him has lost his licence and the chance of cheap young driver car insurance.
18-year-old Daniel Ingram of Wirral, Merseyside was caught twice in two minutes after going back "to see if the camera was working properly."
Ingram, who passed his test in May 2005, knew his days as a delivery boy were over if police saw the images and put six points on his licence. So, in an attempt to spoil the incriminating pictures of himself, he shinned up the 15 foot post supporting the camera and attacked it with a hammer and crowbar.
The enraged teen kept up the assault until police arrived, at which point he ran off. Officers soon caught up to him, however, and recovered his tools.
The camera was broken beyond repair (which came as a pleasant surprise for 71 other drivers it flashed that day) but the film of Ingram's Citroen Berlingo breaking the limit was recovered intact.
He later appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on charges of perverting the course of justice, criminal damage and two counts of speeding. Gareth Bellis, defending, said Ingram suffered from ADHD and was liable to act on impulse.
"The offence was stupid and certainly not pre-planned," Bellis said. "His concern at the time was that he would lose his employment."
The judge sentenced him to two months' detention (suspended for a year) and imposed the missing six penalty points on Ingram's licence, which was promptly revoked.
If he wants to take up driving again he'll have to pass another test, and finding an affordable young driver car insurance quote is going to be a nightmare.
Before he can start saving for test fees and new motor insurance quotes, however, Ingram will have to come up with £470 in compensation for Wirral Borough Council - the going rate for a replacement speed camera.