Jail for Buxton drink-driver who told police he’d drunk half a bottle of whisky after crash

Jamie Gardner was driving a Kia Cee’d along Monks Road, Glossop, on November 13 when he crashed into a wall in front of a police officer.

MORE: Van, tools and money stolen in Whaley Bridge burglary

Gardner made no attempt to stop the car but was forced to due to the damage caused by the crash.

While being spoken to by the police officer, Gardner ran off – only to be found hiding in a nearby field.

The 29-year-old failed to give a sample of breath at the scene and was arrested.

In custody he again failed to provide a sample.

Gardner, of Cromford Lane, Fairfield, claimed that after running away and hiding in the field he had drunk half a bottle of whisky – but he was charged with both drink-driving and driving while disqualified.

He appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court where he admitted both charges and was sent to prison for 35 weeks after activating a suspended sentence which had been handed to him on October 22 for driving while disqualified in May this year.

For that offence he had been given a 23-week prison term which had been suspended for 24 months – with the clear instruction that should he offend again during that time then the sentence would be activated.

For his new offences the court gave Gardner a further 12 weeks on top of his original 23-week sentence and, due to the seriousness of the case and the offences being the same, he was sent straight to prison.

MORE: Police appeal for help identifying two men after young man stabbed in Derbyshire

Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.