A drink-driver raced through a red traffic light before losing control of his car, causing it to smash into a metal railing, severely damaging it and his car, before driving off.
Darren William Jackson, 21, of Balbeggie Street, Dundee, was jailed for six months by Sheriff Alastair Brown on Friday after admitting failing to provide two specimens of breath, dangerous driving and driving without a full licence or insurance.
After the crash, Jackson was traced by police in Kirkton and they breathalysed him, finding the reading positive. However, when they took him to force HQ he refused two further breath tests.
Depute fiscal Eilidh Robertson told the court two witnesses were stopped at the traffic lights at Macalpine Road and Staffa Place in Dundee and Jackson overtook them at speed, drove through the lights and attempted to turn into Staffa Place, however he lost control and hit the barrier.
She said: “The collision caused extensive damage to both the car and the metal barrier. The witnesses were able to get the vehicle’s number plate and they alerted the police.
“Fifteen minutes later a member of the public in Kirkton Avenue reported another incident there and police officers arrived to find the accused sitting in the car.
“Upon seeing the officers, the accused made off but was traced nearby shortly afterwards.”
Found in his possession were a set of keys which were for the same vehicle which had been involved in the collision,” said Ms Robertson.
He appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, she said, and was staggering.
“He provided a roadside breath test which was positive for alcohol and was then taken to police headquarters, where he refused to provide two specimens of breath.
“A computer check showed he held only a provisional driving licence and had no insurance,” Ms Robertson said.
“The vehicle was effectively written off and there was extensive damage to the metal railing.”
The fiscal then moved for forfeiture of the vehicle, which Sheriff Brown granted.
Solicitor Anika Jethwa admitted that Jackson had a record of previous offences for road traffic matters, although none for drink-driving or driving dangerously.
She said: “His last road traffic offence was in 2010. He bought the car and was taking driving lessons twice a week. He wanted to pass his test to try to find employment.”
Appealing to the sheriff for a community-based disposal, Ms Jethwa said Jackson has two children and appears to offend mainly when he has been consuming alcohol.
“He had stopped drinking but on that day he had been at his friend’s father’s funeral and alcohol was taken,” she said.
Sheriff Brown jailed Jackson for six months and disqualified him for two years and ordered him to sit the extended driving test.