A reckless teenager who drove his father’s BMW at speeds of up to 130mph before crashing into a family home has been banned from driving.
Samin Ahmed, 19, ploughed into the property on Church Lane, Westfield, near Hastings, after a high-speed police pursuit.
The former security doorman from Bromley was seen overtaking three vehicles on the A2690 Coombe Valley Way before losing control in the early hours of February 16 this year.
The family who live at the property were sat in the living room just minutes before the BMW smashed through the front of their home.
The vehicle crashed into the front of the house
Sussex Police
PC Lloyd Archer spotted Ahmed’s BMW travelling at excessive speed before the teenager attempted a dangerous triple overtake on Coombe Valley Way.
When police activated their blue lights, Ahmed accelerated to 110mph in an attempt to escape.
The teen then turned at a roundabout junction with the A2691 and Mount View Street, before heading back towards Hastings at 130mph – more than double the 60mph speed limit.
Ahmed continued driving at speeds over 100mph as he turned towards The Ridge and headed for Westfield.
Ahmed was driving at around 110mph
Sussex Police
His DNA was later found on the airbag, confirming he was behind the wheel at the time of the crash. The collision caused catastrophic damage to the property, with repair costs estimated at £357,000.
The impact left the building with severe structural problems, forcing the family to abandon their home for several months.
Speaking about the case, PC Archer said: “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.”
The officer added: “We are determined to catch offenders and to prevent drivers causing harm to themselves and innocent members of the public. So we are pleased that a dangerous driver has been taken off our roads.”
DNA was found on the airbag
Sussex Police
At Lewes Crown Court on November 7, Ahmed admitted dangerous driving and causing criminal damage.
He was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence and disqualified from driving for two years.
The court ordered him to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and attend 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement sessions. Ahmed was also ordered to pay a £187 surcharge and £1,000 in court costs.