43-year-old Ian Phillips, who rolled his Toyota Yaris in Ventnor High Street whilst trying to avoid crashing into pedestrians before then running away, has been banned from driving for 12 months.
Phillips appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court today (Friday) as a result of the crash on 18th August this year.
The court heard that the 43-year-old, of Trinity Road in Ventnor, was travelling down Spring Hill when his foot slipped off the brake and onto the accelerator. To stop the vehicle from crashing into pedestrians, Phillips turned the wheel which then resulted in the vehicle rolling over. He exited the damaged vehicle and ran away.
Police were called to the scene and located Phillips at a nearby family member’s address where he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. He blew 65 at the roadside but went on to blow 40 on the evidential breathalyser at Newport Police Station – on the cusp of prosecution.
As previously reported by Island Echo, emergency services descended on Ventnor Town Centre in response to the single-vehicle collision, which resulted in the main road around the town being closed for several hours. Although no one was injured in the incident, an illuminated road sign was damaged and had to be made safe.
Defending, Oscar Vincent told the court that his client suffered from mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, as a result of trauma from an abusive former relationship.
Magistrates handed down a 12-month driving disqualification.
