Donut drifting driver from Berkshire banned

A 23-year-old driver who was caught on camera carrying out dangerous drifting manoeuvres around roundabouts and pedestrians has been banned from the roads, police have said.

Footage showed William Hoy, of Mortimer in west Berkshire, spinning his black BMW around in tight circles and at speed while two passengers hung out of the back windows.

Other clips showed him carrying out the same manoeuvre around a standing pedestrian, and drifting his vehicle across a roundabout as another car approached before driving off.

Police said the clips, which were all filmed at night, were uncovered as part of an investigation into antisocial driving and illegal car meets.

Hoy received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to three counts of dangerous driving and three counts of careless driving, Hampshire police said.

The charges relate to incidents that took place in Basingstoke, Alton, Petersfield and Yateley in Hampshire, and Earley in Berkshire, between 11 August and 27 October 2024.

He was handed an 18-month custodial sentence suspended for two years at Winchester Crown Court and was disqualified from driving for two years.

He was also ordered to complete a 24-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 200 hours of unpaid work, and pay £1,000 in fines and costs.

Sgt James Hall, of the roads policing unit, said: “Hoy’s actions put other road users at significant risk, and it’s only by sheer luck that no one was seriously hurt.

“The two-year driving ban reflects the seriousness of his actions and should act as a clear warning to anyone who thinks they can treat our roads like a playground.”

Video journalist: Kate Sargeant