[A]N Appleby horse fair visitor who crashed his uncle’s Range Rover after sinking a dozen pints of beer has been spared immediate prison.
Daniel Callum McGinty, 25, went drinking in Kirkby Stephen with his relative after a day at the historic event on June 10. But after the pair became separated, McGinty took the £23,000 vehicle without permission after snatching keys from his uncle’s jacket pocket.
While driving back to his caravan at 2am, McGinty collided with a vehicle which slammed into another mobile home. When the shocked occupant tackled him and announced police were on the way, McGinty ran off and tried to hide.
Several hours later, in hospital, the provisional licence holder gave a blood sample which revealed he was just over twice the legal drink-drive limit.
Carlisle Crown Court heard today (FRI) McGinty had earlier drunk “12 to 13 pints of beer”, had written off the Range Rover and caused his uncle “a financial catastrophe”.
McGinty was sentenced having admitted aggravated vehicle taking, drink-driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and no insurance.
Recorder Andrew Jefferies QC suspended a six-month prison term for 18 months after hearing McGinty had taken steps to address an alcohol problem. He must complete rehabilitation, an alcohol treatment requirement, a one-month night-time curfew and pay his uncle £1,000 compensation.
McGinty, a previously convicted drink-driver, of Smith Street, Bierley, Bradford, was banned from the road for three years and must take an extended test.
“The fact you are not facing more serious charges is down to good fortune,” Recorder Jefferies told him. “Who knows what could have happened?”
