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05
Sept
Drink-driver crashed into central reservation on A1(M) near Knaresborough
A man who crashed into the central reservation on the A1(M) near Knaresborough has admitted drink-driving.
David Collingwood pleaded guilty at Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday (September 4)
Sarah Tyrer, prosecuting, told the court a HGV driver heading southbound at around 12.30am on May 16 noticed a car going “very fast” past him.
The HGV driver, whose statement was read to the court, said the car – being driven by Collingwood – was “dragging between lanes two and three”.
Collingwood, 20, of The Meadows in West Rainton, Durham, even veered on to the hard shoulder at times.
Ms Tyrer said the HGV driver approached junction 47, near Knaresborough, when he saw another HGV with its hazards on, a black car on its roof and debris on the road.
“It was the same car I had seen before”, the driver’s statement added.
Collingwood lost control of his car and collided with the central reservation before the vehicle flipped upside down, the court heard.
A police officer arrived at the scene just before 1am, when Collingwood was receiving treatment from paramedics.
The officer smelled alcohol on Collingwood and requested a roadside breath sample, which was positive.
Collingwood was arrested but first taken to Leeds General Infirmary, where he provided a blood sample.
Forensic analysis recorded 139 milligrams of alcohol per litre of Collingwood’s blood – the limit is 80 milligrams.
Collingwood told police he had driven the car at the time but did not disclose any further information.
Defendant had a ‘falling out’ before crash
Chris McGrogan, defending, told the court Collingwood is of previous good character.
He said Collingwood voluntarily went to Northallerton Police Station to be interviewed, when he told police he had been out with friends before the crash.
Collingwood had a “falling out”, the court heard, before driving off as he was “in a state of upset”.
Mr McGrogan said Collingwood accepted culpability and showed a “significant degree of remorse”.
He lost his job as a scaffolder but is seeking employment.
Ahead of sentencing, the chair of the magistrates’ bench told Collingwood:
You are charged with doing something stupid on the roads. How lucky you are to even be here in court today - you could’ve killed yourself or someone else.
You hit the central reservation and partially blocked the road.
We get way too many young men in these courts doing stuff like this with huge consequences.
The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Collingwood, who was banned from driving in the interim, will return to Harrogate Magistrates Court on October 10.
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