Drinking husband in crash

3:36pm Friday 28th March 2008

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AN FORMER businessman caused a road smash in Helmshore after getting behind the wheel after drinking and then sped off, a court heard.

James Christopher Power, 46, was traced after a witness noted part of his registration number and part of his front number plate fell off.

Police went to Power's house nearby and he claimed he had been home all night, but his wife said it was not true, Burnley magistrates heard.

Power, of Helmshore Road, Haslindgen, admitted failing to provide a specimen for analysis and failing to stop after an accident. The defendant, who had no previous convictions, was fined £1,100, with £75 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. He was banned for two years.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, told the court the defendant's car hit another vehicle on a roundabout, reversed and drove off.

Police went to Power's home, but he claimed he had been at home all night But the court was told that his wife told officers they had been to friends in Whitefield, he had been drinking and she had tried to stop him driving home by snatching the keys. Mrs Power came home by taxi.