Drink-driver’s shocking Baslow crash

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard this month how Thomas Dunlop, 19, of Hady Crescent, Chesterfield, was driving along Baslow Road, near the Robin Hood pub, when the accident happened.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said: “A police officer attended reports of a vehicle on its roof. Mr Dunlop was in a state of shock with facial injuries and admitted he had been drinking, had gone home and at that point decided to go for a drive.”

Dunlop, who failed a drink-drive test, pleaded guilty to exceeding the alcohol limit after the incident on November 16.

Defence solicitor Kirsty Sergeant said: “He had been out drinking with friends and he walked home but then made a decision to get in his car. He can’t think of any reason why he did it, other than it was the most stupid decision he has ever made.”

The court heard how Dunlop is a college apprentice and is described by his bosses as an invaluable employee. Magistrates fined Dunlop £240 and ordered him to pay a £24 victim surcharge and £85 costs, He was also banned from driving for 12 months.