A dangerous driver who was caught jumping a set of red traffic lights, almost mowing down a 14-year-old boy, has avoided jail.

Ian Gruber, of Beverley Way, was caught jumping the lights in Kingston Road last November where he came close to knocking over a teenager in his Ford Tipper.

But thanks to dash cam footage from a nearby HGV driver the 39-year-old was identified and tracked down.

Gruber was found guilty following a trial at Guildford Magistrates’ Court before he was handed a six-week jail sentence suspended for 18 months.

He was also ordered to carry out 80 hours of community service, was disqualified for 15 months with an extended test, and told to pay prosecution costs of £230.

PC Keiron Palmer, roads policing officer, said: “This incident is a sharp reminder of what can happen if you are caught driving dangerously.

“Fortunately the 14 year old was not hit, but things could have worked out very differently.

“This incident also demonstrates the important part dash cam footage can play in bringing about a successful prosecution.”