Crash driver ploughed Mercedes into Hereford lamp post

William Cuciurean admitted one count of drink-driving when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford in January.

Police were called to a crash involving Cuciurean's Mercedes C220 in Hereford's Old School Lane at 3am on December 31, prosecutor Eleanor Peart said.

On arrival they found Cuciurean had mounted the footpath and crashed into a lamp post, which had sheared off and fallen over.

"There was heavy damage to the car," Miss Peart said, telling magistrates that the engine had been exposed in the crash.

Cuciurean, who was found in the driving seat of the car was said by officers to find the situation "visibly amusing," Miss Peart said, while numerous cans were found in his car.

"He was arrested and said he was travelling well below the speed limit at 55 miles per hour," Miss Peart said.

"This was in a 30 miles per hour limit".

In police interview, Cuciurean told officers he did not remember driving or crashing, and explained that he had been drinking at a pub until midnight.

Chris Read, for Cuciurean, said that the 25-year-old had been in Hereford for work and had met up with a friend that evening.

"They went to the pub and he was going to stay with that friend overnight," Mr Read said.

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"He is at a loss to explain the lost time between being in the pub and the crash. He cannot explain why he got into the car."

Mr Read said it had been a significant crash and that Cuciurean had been injured in it, which he said may have explained his demeanour.

"He certainly does not find it amusing and may have been in shock," he said.

The court heard Cuciurean works in the motor industry and has lost his job as a result of the offence, as he is required to drive for work.

Cuciurean, who is of Latton, Swindon, was fined £200 and disqualified from driving for 18 months for the offence.

He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £135 and an £80 victim surcharge.

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