Man Causes £90,000 Damage in 90mph Police Chase, Sinks Car in Lake

Harry Mason, 29, led police on a high-speed chase reaching 90 mph in a 30 mph zone through Southport before crashing his Mercedes into a Grade II listed Victorian bandstand and plunging into Marine Lake. After escaping the sinking vehicle, Mason falsely reported the car as stolen to police but later admitted his responsibility following forensic investigations. The crash caused between £90,000 and £150,000 in damage to the historic shelter and surrounding barriers, with additional recovery costs for the submerged vehicle. Mason pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and attempting to pervert the course of justice, receiving a 12-14 month suspended prison sentence, an 18-month driving ban, 240 hours of unpaid work, and a curfew. Authorities described the event as a "night of madness" and a "miracle" that no one was injured, while the local council lamented the waste of resources caused by Mason's reckless actions. The case highlights the severe consequences of dangerous driving and the impact on community heritage and safety.