Sixthformers arrested after car prank at Malmesbury School (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Sixthformers arrested after car prank at Malmesbury School

3:30pm Thursday 28th May 2009

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TWO sixthformers have been cautioned by police for a prank that saw them drive their cars into school and along a corridor.

Police and firefighters were called after the year 13 pupils opened outside doors and took their vehicles down "The Street" at Malmesbury School during lessons on May 21.

No one was injured, but the pair were arrested, taken into custody at Melksham and later cautioned for causing criminal damage.

Head teacher Tim Gilson said: "They are not bad lads, either of them, but they have just done something really stupid.

"It is a great shame. I think they are fully aware now of what they have done. It was a serious matter," he told the Standard. "It was so stupid and so potentially dangerous. Thankfully no one was injured."

He said the school had spent too much time talking about former students who had recently lost their lives in fatal car crashes, for the sixthformers not to realise there was a big responsibility on their shoulders when they got behind the wheel.

He said they had both been temporarily excluded but would be allowed back to sit their A Levels.

The cars and the building in Corn Gastons suffered minor damage in the incident, which happened at around 2pm.

Mr Gilson added: "I am very grateful to Wiltshire Police and the fire brigade for their swift and professional response to the incident."

Three former pupils have been killed on the roads in as many years and the school regularly takes part in a Safe Drive Stay Alive programme, run by the fire service, that attempts to bring home to young drivers the appalling consequences of fatal crashes.

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