Dangerous driver who hit family dog jailed

A dangerous driver who struck a "beloved" family dog has been jailed for 16 months.

Scott Smith failed to stop for police in the early hours of 9 January, before he hit the dog on Jowitt Drive, New Milton, Hampshire. The dog later had to be put down because of its injuries.

The 27-year-old of Linnet Court, New Milton was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court.

In a statement read in court, the owner said the dog was her "companion and best friend" and that she was "heartbroken" by the loss.

Hampshire Constabulary said Smith was driving a Ford Puma when he struck the animal which was being walked at the time.

He left the scene of the crash and was arrested the following week at an address in New Milton, where officers found him hiding under a bed.

The dog's owner said her pet, who she had for about nine years, was a "wonderful and loyal dog with a beautiful nature".

"She was my companion and best friend. She was a family dog who loved my children and loved everybody. Losing her in such a tragic way has broken my heart."

Smith, had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, criminal damage, aggravated vehicle taking, failing to stop at the scene of a road traffic incident, and driving without insurance and a valid licence.

He was also banned from driving for 20 months - as well as being jailed for a separate breach of restraining order offence.

Police staff investigator Katie Stafford said: "This is a tragic incident, where the life of a beloved family pet has been taken as a direct result of Smith's careless and selfish actions.

"Not only did he take a vehicle that did not belong to him, but he then attempted to evade capture when officers spotted him driving it."

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