A WOMAN accused of starting the major wildfire at Dove Stone Reservoir has been spared an immediate jail sentence after admitting dangerous driving on the day of the blaze.
Shania Care-Slede appeared at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday, September 29, having previously pleaded guilty to the charge.
The 20-year-old, formerly of Market Street in Hyde, was handed a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and banned from driving for a year.
She must also complete 120 hours of unpaid work and pass an extended driving test before she can get back behind the wheel.
Care-Slede has pleaded not guilty to arson and aggravated arson charges in connection with the major moorland fire which broke out at Dove Stone. She is scheduled to stand trial in May 2027.
The blaze broke out shortly after 8.30pm on July 11 and developed into a major incident, with firefighters spending days tackling flames across the moorland in difficult conditions.
Greater Manchester Police subsequently launched an investigation and appealed for footage from the public.
The court was told Care-Slede, of Sherbourne Road in Middleton, was seen on camera with a balloon at her mouth. She was also seen driving without her hands on the steering wheel and using her phone.
Prosecutors claimed she inhaled nitrous oxide, with Adam Lodge saying: “The video shows the rear seat passenger filming events including putting his mouth on a balloon, which the Crown says is nitrous oxide.
“He then films the driver who is shown not to be wearing a seatbelt and holding a balloon close to her mouth.
“The defendant also has her phone in her hand and can be seen scrolling through social media posts. In a further post, the defendant is driving her car with a balloon in her mouth.”
The prosecutor added Ms Care-Slede’s driving fell ‘far below’ the standard expected, while David James, defending, told how she is studying to become a qualified paramedic and is undertaking courses in beauty therapy.
“She recognises she needs to be punished,” he added. “She is having to grow up quickly. She understands her position and what she has done.”
Sentencing, Judge Neil Usher said: “From the brief mobile phone footage it demonstrates, in my judgement, seriously dangerous driving.
“At one stage you had neither hand controlling the car. Fortunately, your driving did not cause injury or damage.
“There is no evidence of criminal intentions. You have been punished already to a degree – you lost your home and employment and spent a short period in custody.”
The judge accepted Ms Care-Slede made a deliberate decision to ignore the rules of the road, adding that it was a ‘prolonged and persistent’ case of dangerous driving.