PREVIEW

WORDS BYLINE: Antonella Lazzeri
A driver who killed a dog fleeing from police was later found by officers hiding under a bed.
Scott Smith, 27, hit the nine-year-old pet as she was being taken for a walk. She was so badly injured she had to be put down.
Southampton Crown Court heard how Smith, from New Milton, Hampshire, was being pursued by police at 1am on January 9 when the collision happened.
He was arrested two weeks later and body camera footage showed him hiding under the bed in an attempt to avoid arrest.
Smith pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, criminal damage, aggravated vehicle taking, failing to stop at the scene of a road traffic incident, using a motor vehicle without insurance and driving without a licence.
He was jailed for 16 months and was disqualified from driving for 20 months.
In a victim impact statement, the dog’s owner said: “She was a wonderful and loyal dog with a beautiful nature. She loved walks and went everywhere with me.
“She was my companion and best friend. She was a family dog who loved my children and loved everybody. Losing her in such a tragic way has broken my heart.”
Police staff investigator Katie Stafford said: “This is a tragic incident, where the life of a beloved family pet has been taken as a direct result of Smith’s careless and selfish actions.
“Not only did he take a vehicle that did not belong to him, but he then attempted to evade capture when officers spotted him driving it.
“On the morning in question, he had no regard for anyone or anything in his way, other than himself and his own desire to avoid having to face up to the consequences of his offending.
“However, we were determined to ensure that Smith ultimately had to face up to his crimes, and he will now have considerable time to reflect upon his actions.
“I hope the justice served here will offer the victim some comfort and closure as she continues to come to terms with the loss of her dog.”
Sharing the video of Smith’s arrest online, officers issued a warning to other offenders who might try a similar evasive manoeuvre.
“If you're ever thinking of trying to outsmart us by hiding under a bed, it's worth remembering that our officers are expert hide-and-seekers,” the post said. “They will find you.”