A PENNAR MAN who drove his father’s BMW while drunk, despite never having had a driving lesson, damaged five vehicles, and ran away from the scene of the crash was given a suspended prison sentence by M agistrates in Haverfordwest on Wednesday (Jan 27).
Elliot Lewis, 20, of Stranraer Road, pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated vehicle taking, drink-driving, driving without insurance or a licence, failing to stop after an accident, and failing to report an accident.
Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said that Lewis had caused serious damage to a VW Golf, including snapping the suspension, severely denting the driver’s door and breaking an alloy wheel.
He also broke the wing mirror of another vehicle, scratched and dented a Ford Fiesta, and damaged a Vauxhall Astra when one of the other vehicles he hit came into contact with it.
Ms Morgan said that after they were alerted to the accident, they traced the car registration to the house where Lewis lived with his parents. Lewis’ mother had no idea that the car had been taken.
An officer found a red hoodie in the kitchen, and a bloodied kitchen towel. A witness has claimed to have seen a man wearing a red hoodie leaving the scene of the crash.
When speaking to the police, Lewis admitted that he had been drinking, but denied taking the vehicle. He made no comment when told that his DNA matched a sample found on the car airbag.
The court heard that this Lewis had a previous conviction for a similar offence, as well as convictions for theft and possession of a class A drug.
A representative of the Probation service said that Lewis had been undergoing ‘pressure’ as a result of difficult family circumstances.
She added that Lewis was ‘extremely remorseful,’ and had apologised to his neighbours.
Magistrates told Lewis that the offence was ‘extremely serious,’ and that he was ‘lucky not to have killed someone.’
Lewis was given a six month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, undertake 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity, and was banned from driving for three years.
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