Another street racer receives suspended prison sentence for racing in Kenrick Way, West Bromwich
15 May 2024
A driver who raced another vehicle and drove at a speed of around 80mph along Kenrick Way
in West Bromwich has received a suspended prison sentence.
Oliver Clarke, aged 27, of Addison Terrace, Wednesbury, was involved in street racing – also known as car cruising – along Kenrick Way on 24 March 2024 in breach of the Black Country street racing injunction. Mr Clarke was subsequently arrested and brought before the court on 25 March 2024.
At Birmingham High Court on 7 May 2024, he admitted to driving at approximately 80mph for around 30 seconds on the 40mph dual carriageway while racing another vehicle, driving in convoy and undertaking a vehicle. The judge made a 28-day custodial order suspended for 12 months and Mr Clarke was also ordered to pay costs in the sum of £3,175.30 payable at £100 per month.
Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: “People in West Bromwich have been really concerned about street racing on Kenrick Way so I am pleased to see further action being taken to tackle this very dangerous and anti-social behaviour.
“This is the fourth successful court case within the past year where street racers have been brought to justice for breaching the injunction order in Kenrick Way.
“We will continue to work together with the police and other partner organisations to keep people safe and tackle anti-social behaviour.”
In February 2024, the High Court granted a full and final injunction banning street racing, also known as car cruising, in the Black Country.
It forbids anyone who is a driver, rider or passenger in or on a motor vehicle to participate between the hours of 3pm and 7am in a gathering of two or more persons within the Black Country area at which some of those present engage in motor racing or motor stunts or other dangerous or obstructive driving.
It also covers organisers and spectators, prohibiting people from promoting, organising or publicising gatherings, or from participating in a gathering as a spectator with the intention or expectation that some of those present will engage in street racing.
The injunction covers the whole of the boroughs of Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton and has a Power of Arrest attached to it which gives the police the power to arrest anyone who breaches it. Breach of an injunction is a contempt to court and if proved the court has the power to impose a sentence of imprisonment, a fine, or an order seizing a person’s assets.
For more information about the injunction, please visit the street racing injunction pages of the applicants:
- Sandwell street racing webpage
Incidents of street racing in Sandwell should be reported online to the council or to West Midlands Police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
