A man who drunkenly walked away from the scene of a crash in Binstead, to then later flag down a passing Police car in Wootton, has been handed an 18-month driving ban.
38-year-old David Shaw, of Ash Road in Newport, was driving home after a meal out in Ryde on 27th January this year when he lost control of his VW Golf on Newnham Road, veering into a hedge.
The Isle of Wight Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday that a member of the public reported the crash to Police at 01:30 in the morning, stating they saw the driver – who appeared to be drunk – walk off towards Havenstreet.
Officers conducted a local area search and eventually located Shaw at Wootton Bridge after he waved down the passing Police car.
Ann Smout, prosecuting, explained to the court that Shaw, of previous good character, immediately stated he had ‘mucked up’. He was taken to Newport Police Station where he blew 72 on the breathalyser.
Defending, Oscar Vincent said his client doesn’t normally drive but on the night in question he had consumed drink with his meal. Despite this, he felt ok to drive. Mr Vincent said that his client had not drunk since the incident.
Magistrates handed David Shaw an 18-month driving disqualification and ordered him to pay a £320 fine, £85 costs and a £34 surcharge.
