A mother has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after a dramatic incident in Aviemore, Scotland, saw her drag two police officers along the road while fleeing after providing false information. Lauren Baird, 43, from Aberdeen, faced the consequences of her reckless actions during a stop on the evening of July 10, 2023, when police discovered her vehicle was uninsured.

Inverness Sheriff Court was presented with dashcam footage that captured the shocking moment Baird accelerated away from the officers after they attempted to arrest her. The quick-thinking officers managed to detach themselves from the vehicle, yet one was only able to free herself after being dragged several yards along the B9152 road near Kincraig. Both officers sustained injuries, requiring treatment at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, where they were treated for grazes, bruises, and more serious injuries, including a knee injury and a staved finger.

Sheriff Sara Matheson described Baird's behaviour as "appalling," emphasising the sheer luck that the injuries were not more severe. "It put two officers' lives in danger. It was pure luck their injuries weren't a lot worse," she stated during the sentencing. The psychological impact of the incident on the officers has been significant, with one still unable to return to duty.

Baird admitted to multiple charges: culpable and reckless conduct, attempting to pervert the course of justice, and driving without a licence or insurance. Following her false claims to the police, including providing a photograph that was not hers, she fled at speed when the officers informed her of her impending arrest. Fiscal depute Susan Love noted the difficulty police had in ascertaining Baird's identity during a prolonged conversation. The court was also informed that, upon tracking her down, police discovered her vehicle had been hidden in a forest close to the Coylumbridge Hotel, where she was staying.

Baird's legal representative highlighted her panicked response to the situation, noting that she did not comprehend the severity of her actions at the time. "It was a decision she regrets," her lawyer, Natalie Paterson, remarked. Despite this claim, the sheriff's remarks cast doubt on Baird's apparent lack of awareness regarding the potential consequences of her flight.

The outcome of this case underscores the serious repercussions of reckless driving and the potential for severe consequences when officers are placed in danger. With Baird now banned from driving for 43 months in addition to her prison sentence, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle.

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Source: Noah Wire Services