The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Drink-driver hit telegraph pole before fleeing
ELECTRICITY KNOCKED OFF
A DRINK-DRIVER smashed into a telegraph pole and knocked the electricity off in nearby homes before fleeing the scene.
Colin Gradon crashed his Land Rover Discovery into a pole on Stamfordham Road in Medburn, Northumberland, on November 6, 2022.
The 67-year-old then made off from the scene, but was later arrested after police found the vehicle and traced it back to him.
After officers found him at his Medburn home, he was breathtested and found to be over the limit. He was later charged with driving with excess alcohol, and failing to report an accident.
Gradon appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court to be sentenced for the offences.
He had been found guilty following a threeday trial.
District Judge, Paul Currer, said: “You lost control, went to the near side [of the road] and demolished a telegraph pole, cutting the electricity supply to nearby premises.
It was taken clean out of the ground. You then left the scene and didn’t report it.
“You walked away across fields and back home but were arrested when police made inquiries.
“You have maintained your innocence throughout and challenged every single part of the prosecution’s case.”
Judge Currer added: “You have personal circumstances which are relevant and [you] saw a decline in your mental health through a tragic bereavement.
“There have been positive things many have said about you, you’re a man who’s worked hard all his life and who cares for your community and family.”
Ashley Barnes, defending, did not put anything further to the court after the judge told him he would impose a financial penalty.
He did say that some delays during the trial were down to the “nonarrival of witnesses” and were not the fault of Gradon.
Gradon was fined £1,000 and banned from driving for 16 months, which will be reduced to 12 months if he completes a driving awareness course.
He must also pay £1,860 court costs and a £400 victim surcharge.
You lost control, went to the near side and demolished a telegraph pole... you then left the scene
Judge Paul Currer