A MAN who took a family member's car and crashed it onto its side admitted to police he was under the influence.

Luke Lindley, of Wingfield Street in Stretford, Manchester, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The 30-year-old admitted a total of four offences, all of which stemmed from an incident in Gronant on June 20 this year:

  • Aggravated vehicle taking involving driving dangerously
  • Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
  • Driving without insurance
  • Fail to provide a sample for analysis

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that on the day in question, the defendant was at the Gronant Inn, on Llanasa Road, Gronant.

A relative of his was also there, watching a football match.

During the match, Lindley was assaulted and left the pub.

When his relative later left the premises and walked towards her home, she saw her car - which she had left locked and secured at the pub car park - had been driven away and involved in a collision.

It was "on its side" in the road with the defendant still inside.

Police attended the scene and spoke to the defendant, who told them he "knew he was in trouble," and that he'd "taken his cousin's car without consent."

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He smelled of alcohol, and when he was cautioned, the defendant told police: "That's fine - oh yeah mate, I am under the influence."

Following his arrest, he added: "I'm sorry. I could have killed someone."

He later failed to provide a sample of blood for analysis when required to.

Gary Harvey, defending, told the court: "There was an England football match on and he was there.

"He was badly attacked, and was confused by all accounts.

"He got into the car and got into the accident.

"He is autistic and is on the spectrum."

Mr Harvey said the person to whom the car belongs was "not impressed" by the defendant's actions.

"He has a good work ethic," he continued.

"I've told him this crosses the custody threshold."

District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant: "It would appear emotions may have been running high when the football match was being played.

The Leader:

"You took a vehicle belonging to a family member, went up the road and crashed it.

"There's evidence of an unacceptable level of driving and when you were taken to the hospital you were asked to provide a sample.

"You refused."

The Judge handed down a total sentence of 14 weeks custody - but suspended it for 12 months.

Lindley was banned from driving for 30 months and must pay £85 costs, as well as a £154 victim surcharge.