Herefordshire drink driver sentenced after crashing his car

Jamie Humphries, aged 31, of Stoney Street, Madley, has now been banned from driving for two years after pleading guilty to the offence.

Melanie Winterflood, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court, said police were called to a single-vehicle road traffic collision in Brampton Road, Madley on August 19.

"When they arrived, the driver of the black Honda had left the scene," said Ms Winterflood.

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"They did a check and it was registered with Mr Humphries. One of the officers spoke to someone who didn't see the accident but witnessed the defendant leave the scene.

"They attended the address and Mr Humphries answered the door.

"They asked him to provide a specimen of breath which he did. It came back as 89 micrograms [per 100 millilitres of breath].

"He was arrested and taken to the police station. The lowest reading was 99 in breath.

"Mr Humphries was interviewed and was quite candid. He couldn't remember very much and didn't know how the accident occurred."

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The court heard that Humphries drank five or six cans of lager after returning from work, but couldn't explain how his car ended up in an accident.

"The first he heard about the accident was when the police told him," said Ms Winterflood.

However, she added that Humphries later became more open during his police interview and said he drove his car to get some food.

"He accepts the damage was caused by him but he didn't know what he done," said Ms Peart.

In defence, Kim Treloar said her client is a man of good character.

"He has gone through his life without any blemishes and feels ashamed," said Ms Treloar.

"He has a man who is appalled by the shame he has brought on his family.

"He is in full-time employment and is sorry about what has happened."

Humphries was also handed a 12 month community order, which requires him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

He will also have to pay court costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £114 respectively.