Bristol Post

Driver crashed into wall – then swore at paramedics

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A LAWRENCE Weston dad ploughed his car into a garden wall then hurled abuse at emergency workers.

Scott Abbott, of De Clifford Road, was initially compliant with police after the crash, handing them his keys – but he took an “instant dislike” to the paramedics who arrived, became aggressive and stopped cooperatin­g.

The former Bristol Port worker, 32, attended Bristol Magistrate­s’ Court and admitted failing to provide a breath sample.

Prosecutor Sandra Massiah said a police officer on patrol came across a black Ford Focus at 1.45pm on April 29. The vehicle had caused “extensive damage” to the front garden wall of a home on Queen’s Road, Bishopswor­th, the court heard.

Ms Massiah added: “The defendant approached the officer and handed him his car keys. He appeared to be in shock. He said an issue with his brakes had caused him to collide with the wall.

“Asked if he had been drinking, he initially said no, but then said, ‘I’ve had a couple but nothing to write home about.’”

Abbott gave a breath test reading of 81mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Police are required to get two readings from drink-driving suspects, but Abbott refused to provide the second.

He became confrontat­ional towards paramedics and refused treatment. He was taken to Keynsham police station, and was abusive and obstructiv­e throughout, shouting and swearing.

Abbott has six previous conviction­s for nine offences, the court heard, including drink-driving in 2008 and dangerous driving in 2012.

Mark O’Donnell, mitigating, said Abbott had made great strides to lead a more positive lifestyle since his last conviction, in 2013.

Mr O’Donnell said his client had been “getting on track as far as employment is concerned”.

Presiding Justice Deborah Merrick imposed a 12-month community order and 120 hours of unpaid work, as well as a 24-month driving ban, which will be cut by 24 weeks if Abbott completes a driving rehab course.

He must also pay £85 in prosecutio­n costs and a £95 victim services surcharge.

 ??  ?? Scott Abbott outside court
Scott Abbott outside court

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