A man who crashed into a bridge in Harrogate with his family in the car has been handed a lengthy driving ban.

Dawid Kruszakin, of Manning Road, Preston, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (December 11) where he spoke to confirm his name, age and address.

Kruszakin, 34, admitted drink-driving and driving without due care and attention on November 18 this year.

Sarah Tyrer, prosecuting, told the court that the defendant crashed his Mercedes Benz into Oakdale Bridge on Penny Pot Lane at around 7pm.

Ms Tyrer said Kruszakin hit the wall of the bridge and the front end of his car was “hanging over the bridge”.

The 34-year-old’s partner and her two children were in the car at the time, the court heard.

Following the crash, police attended and Kruszakin identified himself as the driver. He recorded 52mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath after a roadside breathalyser test.

Ms Tyrer told the court that the defendant had a previous conviction for drink-driving in January 2021, where he was banned for 12 months.

“Got the dates wrong”

Brian Nuttney, defending, said Kruszakin had pleaded guilty to the offence at the first opportunity.

He told the court that the defendant had initially gone out with his family to go to Leeds Christmas Market, but “got the dates wrong”.

Mr Nuttney said:

Mr Nuttney added that Kruszakin made a “misjudgement” on a notorious road in Harrogate rather than “disregarding” the laws of the road.

He told the court that the readings from the breathalyser were low, but conceded that the defendant faced a ban.

Magistrates banned Kruszakin from driving for 40 months.

He was fined £614, ordered to pay a victims’ surcharge of £246 and court costs of £85.