Reckless driver crashed car into a tree

Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court heard Adam Ridge, from Leigh, lost control of a Vauxhall Astra on The Avenue in the town shortly after 3am on December 12 last year.

The court heard CCTV cameras had spotted the car being quickly driven away from a King Street pub, with 20-year-old Ridge then recklessly overtaking another vehicle on The Avenue.

The vehicle was then heavily damaged whenRidge ploughed it into a tree and a garden wall with Katie Beattie, prosecuting, telling the court the car spun fully around and flew into the air.

The impact was so severe that both Ridge and his two passengers were injured, with all three requiring hospital treatment.

Ridge, of Dorning Street, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.

Mrs Beattie said: “He negotiated a slight right-hand bend near Lake Street and struck the kerb, losing control.

“The car careered across the road, struck a tree, rotated 360 degrees rising up into the air and collided with a garden wall.

The court heard neither of the two passengers have any memory of the incident.

Defending, Martin Jones said the incident should be regarded as a momentary lapse of judgement for the defendant, who was of previous good character.

He also said that due to a lack of witness accounts the exact circumstances of the incident were unclear.

Mr Jones said: “What you have heard is what is believed to have happened. My client doesn’t actually know what happened, although he doesn’t dispute there was an accident and the facts point to his driving being at fault.

“He has never been in trouble of any description and this has been a bitter experience. He regrets what happened and became quiet and withdrawn, having problems sleeping and not leaving the house for a period of time save to go to work.”

The magistrates put five penalty points on Ridge’s driving licence and fined him a total of £195.