Drink driver crashed into rear of tractor and police then found him lying in a hedge
A drink driver crashed into the rear of a tractor before making off on foot and police found him lying in a hedge.
Colin Samuel McClurken (44), of Magheralane Road, Randalstown, caused a collision on the Lisnevenagh road dual-carriageway between Antrim and Ballymena at 11.15pm on November 20 last year.
He was sentenced on charges of driving with excess alcohol; and failing to stop, remain and report a collision.
He had been driving an Audi A4 which ended up damaged, facing the wrong way on the grass verge partially blocking a lane.
A tractor had slight damage to a rear wheel and a flat tyre caused by the impact.
After the collision the defendant left on foot and police located him "lying in a hedge at a lane way". He was unsteady on his feet.
He had an alcohol in breath reading of 124 - the legal limit is 35. A defence barrister said the defendant was remorseful.
He said the defendant had taken alcohol before driving but he had a bottle of vodka with him and consumed alcohol after the collision in which he was injured.
District Judge Nigel Broderick said they were serious charges.
The defendant was given a four months prison term, suspended for 18 months. He was also banned from driving for 18 months.