Man crashed car while drunk and then tried to run off in a nearby field in Stanford-le-Hope

Louis Walker, 25, of Wellington Road, Blackpool, appeared at Basildon Magistrates' Court on Thursday, March 29, accused of numerous offences including driving while drunk, taking a vehicle without the owners permission, and failing to stop following a motor accident.

The court heard how, on August 20, 2017, a motorist in a BMW had been stationary along the B1007 in Stanford-le-Hope when he noticed in his rear-view mirror a Citreon Picasso, being driven by Walker, coming towards him at speed.

The Citreon then crashed into the BMW.

Prosecuting, Bob Rowlingson, said: "Because of the speed of the vehicle, the BMW was struck and was pushed forward."

The motorist then exited the car and approached the vehicle. 

When he got to Walker, he found that he was "slurring his speech."

Mr Rowlingson added: "He believed that Walker was under the influence of drink or drugs so he called the police."

After the police were called, Walker tried to escape in a nearby field. 

But it did not take long for the police to find him, still intoxicated.

Walker was charged with the three aforementioned charges plus driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

The court heard how no injuries were caused to either driver but £5,000 damage was caused to the BMW while the Citreon was written off.

Mr Rowlingson added that Walker had been staying at a friend's house in Stanford-le-Hope, while down from Blackpool where he was living in a hotel, and he stole his mother's car.

He said: "He was staying at the owner's house the previous evening and the son of the owner was at the address. 

"The mother, who owned the vehicle, was on holiday.

"When the son woke up the following day, the vehicle and Walker were gone."

Walker was sentenced to 26 weeks imprisonment, but this was suspended for 18 months.

He was additionally made to pay a £115, £85 in court costs and was disqualified from having a driving licence for three years.