Drink-driver hit pedestrian and then fled scene
MAN FOUND TO BE TWICE LEGAL LIMIT WHEN HE RETURNED
A PEDESTRIAN was injured after being knocked over by a drink-driver.
David Cooper was in a Ford Fiesta when he struck the victim on Clifton Road, in Cramlington, on August 24, causing him an elbow injury.
He left the scene after the crash. However, he returned a while later and admitted to being the driver of the vehicle.
Tests found he was over the alcohol limit. He had 81 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Cooper, 27, of Elgin Close, Beacon Lane, Cramlington, appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to driving with alcohol level above limit, careless driving and failing to stop after an accident.
Prosecutor James Long said: “The victim had been out with friends and was walking home.
“He was walking across the junction of Clifton Road, heading in the direction of shops.
“He was halfway across the road, when he heard the sound of a car engine and saw a Ford Fiesta travelling towards him.
“The vehicle collided with him. It is a matter of good fortune that the victim was not badly injured.
“He hurt his elbow but was not seriously injured. The vehicle failed to stop at the scene of the accident.
“A while later, he returned to the scene and accepted he was the driver.”
In a statement to the court, the victim explained he had been recovering from surgery to his knee at the time of the crash.
He added: “I’m shocked by what’s happened. I’m extremely anxious as I’m recovering from surgery.
“I don’t know how my knee has been affected.”
District Judge Bernard Begley told Cooper: “It’s for this reason only that people should not drink and drive.
“In different circumstances, you could have been facing a really serious charge here. Prison would be looming.”
He banned Cooper from driving for 21 months and imposed a 12-month community order, with rehabilitation activities and 200 hours of unpaid work.
Cooper was also given a £150 fine and asked to pay £175 in costs.