RACHEL BURT

2016: WOMAN JAILED AFTER USING CAR AS WEAPON

A 28-year-old woman who used her car as a weapon when she deliberately drove at her former partner in a Ludlow street has been jailed.

The intended target William Jones was able to jump into a nearby hedge to get out of the way of the VW Golf but suffered an injury to his foot.

Rachel Burt was behind the wheel of the car in what was described as a 'vindictive and irresponsible' incident.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court on Monday Burt was jailed for a total of 18 months and disqualified from driving for two years.

In addition she must complete a drink and drugs rehabilitation course, be subject of a monitored curfew and must pay £400 costs.

Burt, a chambermaid, of Henley Road, Ludlow, had admitted offences of dangerous driving and assault at an earlier hearing.

Passing sentence Recorder Martin Jackson said Burt's actions had the potential to cause serious injury and it was a vindictive, irresponsible act.

Miss Samantha Powis, prosecuting, said that Mr Jones and the defendant had been in a relationship for five years which ended in November last year.

On December 2 Mr Jones was in Milton Street waiting for his brother to pick him up when he saw the defendant's car.

She said the VW Golf mounted the kerb and headed straight for him and while he was able to move out of the way he still suffered injuries to his foot.

She said the car finished at an angle, half on the kerb and half on the road, and Mr Jones was left limping and with ripped clothes.

Mr Paul Smith, for Burt, said his client had an alcohol problem for which she had been seeking help and that she was 'very sorry' for her actions.