Driver banned after crashing into hedge during illegal stunt show
Bradley Parsons, 24, received a suspended prison sentence and a two-year driving ban for performing dangerous stunts at an illegal car meet in Reading. Video evidence showed him losing control of his BMW, crashing into a hedge and nearly hitting a bystander. A second incident the next day in West Meon sealed his conviction at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court.
A 24-year-old man has been handed a suspended prison sentence and banned from driving for two years after crashing his car into a hedge while performing dangerous stunts at an illegal car meet in Reading last October.
Parsons, 24, of Reading, Berkshire, admitted two counts of dangerous driving after police identified him in social media videos showing his reckless maneuvers at an unauthorised car meet on Arkwright Road on October 25. The footage captured his green BMW drifting at high speed, circling a person standing in the road, with a large crowd of spectators gathered nearby. The video clearly shows Parsons losing control of the vehicle, which skidded sideways before colliding with a hedge.
Key Points
- ⚠️ Parsons admitted two counts of dangerous driving
- 🚗 His BMW drifted at high speed in front of a crowd
- 🛑 He crashed into a hedge and nearly struck a bystander
"His driving was deliberate, reckless, and intended purely to show off to the crowd," said Police Sergeant James Hall, who reviewed the footage. "This was a busy junction with pedestrians and other motorists. He is fortunate that nobody, including himself, was seriously injured."
The next day, Parsons was involved in a second incident at the junction of the A272 and A32 in West Meon. Witnesses reported he accelerated rapidly from a red light, causing violent wheel spin and attempting to drift, before losing control while turning right onto the A272. Police traced him through vehicle registration checks and linked both incidents.
| Incident | Location | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Arkwright Road, Reading | October 25, 2023 | BMW crashes into hedge after drifting |
| Second | A272 & A32 junction, West Meon | October 26, 2023 | Lost control while drifting from traffic lights |
Parsons appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on May 11 and was sentenced to a 12-month suspended prison sentence. He received a two-year driving ban, must take an extended retest before regaining his license, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also fined £357 in costs and a victim surcharge.
💡 Pro Tip
If attending or filming illegal car meets, avoid capturing faces or identifying features of participants. Footage shared on social media can be used as evidence in prosecutions—even years later.
The court heard that Parsons’ actions were not isolated to the two incidents. Investigators found additional videos online showing similar behavior at other unsanctioned events across southern England over the past 18 months. The judge described his conduct as "a deliberate disregard for public safety," noting that innocent bystanders were placed at extreme risk.
📋 By The Numbers
- 2 — Counts of dangerous driving admitted by Parsons
- 200 hours — Unpaid work ordered as part of sentence
- £357 — Total fines and surcharges imposed
- 12 months — Suspended prison sentence
Community safety advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of illegal car meets, citing a surge in related injuries and property damage. Sergeant Hall confirmed that police are increasing patrols near known hotspots and using social media monitoring tools to identify offenders before incidents escalate.
- Extended retest — Parsons must pass a full driving assessment before his ban ends
- Insurance implications — His ban will likely invalidate any current policy, requiring a new high-risk cover
- Employment impact — Many roles requiring driving licenses may now be at risk
The case highlights the dangers of stunt driving culture, often glorified online. Authorities warn that even "harmless" videos can lead to severe legal consequences—and put lives in danger.