A Shanklin man who stole his mum’s car and then crashed it was found to have no insurance or a valid license at the time, a court has heard.
Benjamin Fitzpatrick, 35, of Atherley Road in Shanklin, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, driving without a license, driving without third-party insurance and driver failing to report an accident when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court earlier this week (28th March).
Prosecuting, Tom Corke told the court that Fitzpatrick took the keys to his mother’s car – which was parked on her drive at her home address in Ryde.
Having reversed off the drive, Fitzpatrick crashed into a parked car but didn’t stop to report the incident to the Police. He then proceeded to drive along the road before turning around and heading back to his mother’s house where he parked on the drive once more.
Fitzpatrick elected not to tell his mother with his crimes going undetected for a few days until he admitted to her, via a text message, that it was him who caused the damage.
Police then found that he had been driving without a licence and insurance.
The 35-year-old has appeared in court before and was last in front of a bench in November last year for an unrelated matter.
Defending, Oscar Vincent said that his client had come to the end of a relationship at the time of the offence and that he was feeling ‘low’ and ‘down’. Vincent also said that Fitzpatrick made a really bad decision.
A report read out by probation officer Dawn Young said that Fitzpatrick had ignored his mum when she told him that he couldn’t drive her car and that he had got to the end of the road before he realised he’d made a mistake. The report also said that the 35-year-old was dependent on alcohol and can make poor decisions as was the case on this day.
Magistrates sentenced the 35-year-old to a 2-year community order with 30 rehabilitation activity days and 100 hours of unpaid work attached. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and ordered to pay £560 in compensation.
No doubt the scum will be on benefits and it is we, the taxpayers, who will be paying his fines.
Always a hard luck story. His mum must be pleased having a 35 year old son still lliving with her.
mums little druggy boy he is so so sweet. well mum he is not he’s scum
The 35-year-old has appeared in court before and was last in front of a bench in November last year for an unrelated matter.
reported in island echo back in november….warrant issued for arrest…Benjamin Fitzpatrick, 34, of Woodbine Close, Newport for criminal damage and using threatening / abusive words / behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
https://www.islandecho.co.uk/latest-cases-at-the-isle-of-wight-magistrates-court-31st-october-4th-november-2022/
yet another one of lifes s cumbag, dead beat losers, that no doubt burdens the benefits agency with his presence on a regular basis.
You are all usless idiot drivers on the island
That was a really interesting Mr. Boring
Why are Courts never held to account when people go on to reoffend and cause harm, court’s either blame cps or police when bring to Court, then when not given custodian sentence they then blame Probation or Social when break law again.
Ben was a lovely lad when we where growing up but sadly, since his Dad committed suicide, he has lost his way and turned to drink. Ben isn’t a ‘scumbag’ he is someone who needs help and assistance and like many, many others is worth trying to save. Alcoholism is a disease, and it can take hold of anyone. I find it sad and disappointing that we, as a society, are so fast to declare untruthful remarks about others, who are troubled. This person isn’t a scumbag, you that sit on your computers, judging others are the real scumbags.
Ok so he’s an alcoholic. That’s no excuse for being a complete bellend. A spell inside is what he needs.. oxygen thief
Plenty of people have tough lives and don’t end up as scumbags. There are always choices to make in life. Make the right ones. The right ones are always obvious.
Disqualified from driving for fifteen months. That will teach him when he’s already been driving without a licence.
When he grows up I think he wants to drive fast cars!