JP told: ‘I’ll put you on my Christmas card list’
Drink-driver spared further ban by court
A BANNED driver lost control of his car after drinking – then abandoned his partner at the crash scene.
Dean Hogg was arrested after fleeing the smash in Farnley Tyas.
The aggressive 26-year-old then spat in the face of a policeman while in custody.
He pleaded guilty to driving while over the prescribed limit, driving while disqualified and assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty.
Prosecutor Harry Crowson said that police were called to the scene of the smash in Brockholes Road on August 4.
He told Kirklees magistrates: “The accident involved the car the defendant was driving.
“The defendant’s girlfriend was at the scene and he seemed to have run away.”
Police caught and arrested Hogg, who appeared in court via a video link from HMP Hull.
He was taken to Huddersfield Police Station where breath tests revealed he had 44mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.
While he was in the cell area Hogg was verbally abusive towards police, spitting in the face of one of the officers.
Mr Crowson said: “He said his girlfriend had nothing to do with it and that he didn’t realise that he was disqualified.
“He said he spat at the PC in the heat of the moment.”
Hogg is a serving prisoner as he was recently sentenced to 32 months’ custody at York Crown Court.
He is a banned driver because he has to pass an extended test before his driving licence is returned to him.
Speaking directly to magistrates, he begged them not sentence him to a further term of disqualification.
He said: “I’m doing a long time now and want to get out and get a clean slate. Please don’t slam me with a big disqualification, that’s holding me down. I need to get a licence and not be banned.”
Magistrates were told that their sentencing options were limited due to Hogg’s lengthy prison term.
They gave him a conditional discharge, meaning that he will not be punished further for the offences.
They reminded him that he is still banned from driving and will still have to pay £21 victim surcharge.
Chairman of the bench Brian Hughes told him: “I’ll give you my name and address and you can put me on your Christmas card list.
Hogg responded: “I will do - I really appreciate that.”