A drunken holidaymaker who crashed his car into an innocent motorist, drove away from the scene and later legged it from Police before being tasered, has been handed a 20-month driving ban just weeks after getting his licence.
Levi Stevens, 20, of Sasson Place in Waterlooville, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court this morning (Tuesday) charged with drink driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident – charges he pleaded guilty to at the first opportunity.
Liz Miller, prosecuting, explained that at 22:05 on 11th March this year, Stevens drove the wrong way up Melville Street in Sandown before crashing into an MG3 that was travelling down The Broadway. Stevens, who had only passed his test 8 weeks prior to the incident, turned his damaged car around and fled from the scene, travelling back down Melville Street towards town.
Just minutes later, Police on patrol in the area spotted the damaged Corsa on Avenue Road and began following the vehicle, witnessing it swerving all over the road. Officers soon stopped the hatchback on nearby Morton Common, Brading. However, as the car came to the stop the driver opened the door and ran away. Police gave pursuit on foot and ended up tasering Stevens, who was then arrested.
In custody he blew 81 on the evidential breathalyser – the legal limit being 35.
A pre-sentence report carried out by the Probation Service detailed to the bench how Stevens was on the Isle of Wight for the first time enjoying a weekend away with his girlfriend at Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park in Bembridge. It was explained that the 20-year-old had been out drinking and then had an arguement with his now ex-girlfriend, which led to him driving away and later crashing his car.
Stevens told Probation that he didn’t realise Melville Street was a one-way street and that he didn’t know why he ran away from Police, but that his actions have led to him losing his job as a roofer.
Representing himself, Stevens said he was sorry for his ‘stupid mistake’ and ‘thanked god’ that no one was hurt.
Magistrates handed Levi Stevens a 20-month driving ban and made him subject to a 12-month community order with 10 rehabilitation days and 150 hours of unpaid work. They also ordered him to pay £85 costs with a £95 surcharge.
Let’s thank ‘god’ we’ve 1 less idiot on the roads.
Sadly only for 20 months
Sentence is not enough if you can run away from a accident and the police you have no morals should have a prison sentence too