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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Geoffrey Bennett

Banned Henbury driver bashed police cars trying to evade a stop

When police spotted banned driver George Champagnie driving they tried to pull him over. But, after pulling into a cul-de-sac, he tried to barge his way out - damaging several police cars in the process.

Champagnie, 28, a head chef of Satchfield Crescent in Henbury, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on March 27. He also admitted driving a vehicle otherwise in accordance with a licence, without insurance, and failing to stop a vehicle when required by police.

Judge James Patrick jailed him for 13 months. The judge told Champagnie: "You have an unfortunate history with the police.

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"The fact remains if you hadn't have driven you wouldn't have come into contact with the police. You took a decision to drive knowing you were not permitted to do so. When police spotted you, you panicked and tried to get away from them."

Champagnie was disqualified from driving for three years from his release. He was ordered to pay £570 court costs and a victim surcharge.

Susan Cavender, prosecuting, told Bristol Crown Court police noticed Champagnie getting into a Vauxhall Corsa in Southmead and tried to stop him. But after pulling into Greenfield Avenue around 12.30pm he tried to get away, mounting the pavement before bashing police cars and a parked car and then being boxed in.

Miss Cavender said: "He was surrounded. Police extracted him through the boot. In the boot was the correct number plate for the vehicle. It had been using cloned plates."

Champagnie gave police a prepared statement in which he said it was a friend's car. He said he didn't know the number plates were false.

Robyn Rowland, defending, told the court: "The reason why he behaved in the way that he did is he has a relationship with the police informed by being Tasered in the face years before. He panicked."

Mr Rowland said his client had been on his way to his mum's home to get his sister to help him with his driving test retake. Mr Rowland said: "He was driving while disqualified. It was a very poor decision made on his behalf. Police knew it was a cul-de-sac."

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