Crash driver did not have a licence

A motorist drove his landlord's vehicle without permission and crashed it as he arrived at a Tesco store at Whaley Bridge where he was buying alcohol.
Chesterfield magistrates' courtChesterfield magistrates' court
Chesterfield magistrates' court

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday how Thomas O’Neill, 34, of Chantry Road, Disley, took the BMW and crashed it into a bollard and refused to take a drink-drive breath test.

Prosecuting solicitor Neil Hollett said: “Police were called to the Tesco and told by staff a BMW had driven into the car park and it had been seen moving into a parking bay and colliding with a bollard. The defendant got out of the vehicle and went into the shop. When police spoke to him he appeared under the influence of alcohol and it was confirmed the vehicle was owned by the defendant’s landlord.”

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The court heard how O’Neill did not have a driving licence or insurance.

Mr Hollett added: “He was requested to take a drink-drive breath test but refused. He had been in his landlord’s car without permission to buy rum and had gone home and drank the rum and had gone out again in the car to buy more alcohol when he was seen.”

O’Neill pleaded guilty to taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and causing damage to the bollard. He admitted driving without a licence and without insurance and to failing to provide a specimen for a drink-drive breath test. Magistrates sentenced O’Neill to eight weeks of custody suspended for 12 months with a 12 week curfew. He was banned from driving for 24 months and must pay £650 compensation and £85 costs.