TEENAGE DRINKER'S CAR AND CRIME SPREE (From Warrington Guardian)

TEENAGE DRINKER'S CAR AND CRIME SPREE

A MAN downed a bottle of liqueur before getting into a car and crashing three times.

Martin Rigby had also been involved in a high speed chase which ended when he collided with a police car, Warrington Crown Court heard.

Rigby, 19, of Alt, Hough Green, admitted dangerous driving, failing to stop and report an accident, having no MOT certificate, three offences of having no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, two charges of handling stolen goods, four thefts and criminal damage.

He was sent to a young offenders' institute for 13 months and banned from driving for two years.

Simon Parry, prosecuting, said Rigby was seen reversing away at speed from the first of three collisions which damaged a car's bonnet, bumper and headlights.

Later the same day, a woman was in her car with her 11-year-old niece when she was hit from behind by Rigby, who rammed the car again before moving onto the kerb to scrape past.

In a third collision, Rigby was seen driving off after colliding with a car. His car was later found burned out.

He had no insurance or MOT and was only a provisional licence holder.

In other matters, Rigby was seen riding a motorbike which had been stolen days earlier. He was spotted by the bike's owner who tried to stop him.

But Rigby got away - after colliding with a lamp-post.

He was later arrested after a high speed chase which came to an end when he collided with a police car.

Officers had to use CS gas to restrain him and found he was in possesion of a stolen CD player.

The court heard he had also been involved in a number of car thefts on the Parklands estate in Widnes which caused £749 damage and was also arrested after police caught him in a stolen car.

Mary Creen, defending, said Rigby had little recollection of the three collisions because he had drank a bottle of Pernod and was drunk.

All of the crimes were committed at a time when he had financial difficulties and was under the influences of older friends.

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