SIX POINTS AND £777 COURT BILL FOR HITTING NEIGHBOUR’S GATES
Man caught on CCTV failed to report crash
CARELESS driver Matthew Lally drove away after reversing into his neighbour’s gate.
The 32-year-old left the scene without reporting the accident to anyone, as the victim was on holiday.
However, the incident had been caught on the victim’s home CCTV and she reported Lally to the police.
Lally has now been been left with a £777 court bill and six points on his driving licence after he admitted what he had done.
Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard the incident happened in Carlton Avenue in Chell.
Prosecutor Simon Dykes said: “Mr Lally was reversing his black Audi when he collided with gates at the front of his neighbour’s property.
“The owner became aware, despite the fact she was on holiday, when another neighbour contacted her and told her to check her CCTV, which she could do on her mobile phone.
“She checked it and recognised the vehicle as Mr Lally’s. She reported the matter to the police.”
The court heard Lally, of Carlton Avenue, was interviewed by police and told them he drove away because he did not think he had done any damage.
He went on to plead guilty to driving without due care and attention and failing to stop after a road accident.
Kevin Mortlock, mitigating, said: “It’s a very straightforward matter. Both parties live in Carlton Avenue. Mr Lally has got into his vehicle and endeavoured to undertake a threepoint turn. He has reversed further than he should have and reversed into the gate.
“He drove away. The complainant was on holiday and he knew that.”
The court heard Lally’s insurance company had paid the victim £900 to repair the damage caused.
Magistrates fined him £586 and ordered him to pay a further £191 in court costs and charges. Six penalty points were added to his licence.