AN intelligence officer for West Mercia Police who lost control of an unmarked car has escaped a driving ban.

Stephen Leenhouts had been told at a previous hearing a Worcester Magistrates Court he faced disqualification after pleading guilty to driving without due care and attention.

But in court yesterday, district judge David Goodman said he felt a ban was not necessary and instead fined Leenhouts, of Baldwin Road, Bewdley, £190 and endorsed his licence with five penalty points.

Louise Mead, prosecuting, said the 33-year-old was driving along the A4133 near Ombersley at about 4.20pm on Tuesday, October 26, when he lost control of the Vauxhall Astra on a sharp bend.

He was returning to West Mercia’s headquarters at Hindlip when the car went into the path of an oncoming Citroen van, causing each of the vehicles to spin.

The Astra was struck by a Mitsubishi Pajero following the van and a Mini travelling behind the Astra was also unable to avoid the crash. All involved suffered minor injuries.

Mrs Mead said the driver of the Mini said in her statement that she was travelling at about 60mph before the bend, the maximum speed limit, but the Astra was pulling away from her before it lost control.

An examination of the vehicle revealed it had no mechanical defects and the loss of control could have been as a result of excessive speed, steering and driver distraction. The theoretical speed of the event was 57mph.

In an interview, Leenhouts alleged the car had a “chequered history” and that it was notorious as one of the worst cars in the fleet.

He said he was always conscious to drive police vehicles in the correct manner.

Mark Sheward, defending, said his client disputed he was travelling at more than 50mph before the crash.

He said the defendant knew the road well, travelling it every day for his work, and a statement from a collision investigation officer said he could not rule out that some diesel found on the road might have been there before the crash.

Mr Sheward said: “[Leenhouts] is remorseful. He can’t assist with the accident because he suffered memory loss.

“He’s 33, lives with his partner and three children and as an intelligence researcher with West Mercia Police travels extensively because of that occupation.

“He has no points on his driving licence and has never even had a parking ticket. He’s very well thought of by his employers and he’s sent out on courses to represent West Mercia Police.”

As well as the fine and penalty points, Leenhouts was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.