'Reckless' driver sentenced after leaving scene of crash

Alistair Noone was told by the judge how if there had not been other people at the scene then the consequences would have been ‘unthinkable’.

The 44-year-old appeared before Warrington Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Thursday.

At a previous hearing, he pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, failing to stop after a road accident, and failing to report an accident.

Prosecuting, Mr Earle said that the offences took place on Ellesmere Road at around 9.30pm on June 26.

He said the defendant was the driver of a BMW 3 Series that was involved in a crash outside of The Stag in Lower Walton.

The court heard how Noone, of Morley Road, Lower Walton, had driven into a wooden structure outside of the pub which then collapsed on a member of the public.

The victim suffered a fractured skull as a result as well as lacerations and bruises. He also required stitches to his head and had concussion.

Emergency services at the scene of the incident (Image: Supplied)

Mr Earle explained that Noone did get out of his car and went to help the victim, but he then left the scene without leaving any details.

He then self-reported to police the next day, around 22 hours after the crash happened.

Noone has one previous conviction from 2003.

Defending, Mr Kwasnik said how at the time of the crash, his client was running a ‘domestic errand’.

Talking about how the incident happened, Mr Kwasnik said: “He had come to stop in a parking spot opposite the pub.

“He thought it was safely parked but his foot came into contact with the accelerator which projected the car forward when he was not expecting it.”

The court was told how Noone did initially go to the aid of the injured man.

Mr Kwasnik said how he then went into the shop but when he came out he saw a large crowd around the man which caused him to ‘panic’ - which is why he left the scene.

“He accepts that it was a very foolish error of not returning to the scene,” Mr Kwasnik added.

“If he could turn the clock back, he would return to the scene.”

Concluding, deputy district judge Egerton said: “This is a serious case where serious injury was caused to someone.

“What you did that day was just appalling.

“It is accepted by the crown that you were driving recklessly.

“You were driving a lethal weapon.

“You may have stopped momentarily to help your victim, but then you did not do what you should have done.

“I do accept that you panicked when you saw people, but you should have reported matters to the police.

“If there had not been other people on the scene, the consequences would have been unthinkable.”

Noone was handed a 12-month community order in which he must complete 240 hours of unpaid work.

He was also disqualified from driving for six months and received a £450 fine.

He must also pay a surcharge of £114 and court costs of £120.