Joyrider Jailed After Crashing Stolen Car Into Ambulance
High-Speed Chase Ends in Disaster
Harry Foster-Smith, 19, sparked chaos on Friday 29 August 2025 when he pinched a Volkswagen Golf in Gillingham and tore down the M2 at over 100mph. Police pursued him between junctions two and three, but he flat-out refused to stop. The reckless joyrider then bailed the motorway at junction four, vanishing from officers’ view.
Ambulance Smacked on Emergency Call – Paramedics Hurt
Minutes later, Foster-Smith’s stolen car careered into an ambulance responding to an urgent call near the A278 Hoath Way roundabout. Two paramedics inside were injured and rushed to hospital.
Drone and Police Dog Nab Driver on the Run
The drama didn’t end there. Foster-Smith tried to flee on foot but was tracked down in nearby woods thanks to kent/" title="Kent" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police’s drone unit and a sniffer dog. Police also found class B drugs on him when they cuffed him.
Long List of Charges, Tough Jail Sentence
- Dangerous driving
- Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
- Driving without insurance
- Possession of class B drugs
- Aggravated vehicle taking
- Driving without a valid licence
Foster-Smith pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. On Tuesday 2 December, Woolwich Crown Court sentenced him to 2 years and 8 months behind bars and slapped on a three-year driving ban.
“Foster-Smith’s actions that day were an appalling act of recklessness and put lives at risk,” said PC Lily Woodham. “I hope this sentence sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and those who endanger others will face serious consequences.”