A SUSPECT has been named by police before appearing in court following a horror crash in which a car ploughed into a restaurant.

Extensive damage, believed to be worth more than £30,000, was reported at Rokka Bar and Grill in Culcheth on February 9 this year.

Windows were smashed and an overhead canopy crushed in the collision at the Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant.

The scene was sealed off by firefighters until a structural engineer deemed the structure safe, while teams worked to ensure there were no gas leaks.

At the time, a Cheshire Police spokesman said: “At 9.35pm on Friday, February 9, police were called to reports of a collision on Warrington Road, Culcheth.

“Officers attended and found a car, a silver Jaguar, had collided with the front of a restaurant.

The scene of the crash at Rokka Bar and Grill in Culcheth

The scene of the crash at Rokka Bar and Grill in Culcheth

“There were no reports of any injuries, but the driver of the car was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

“The 31-year-old, from Warrington, was also arrested on suspicion of drink driving. He has since been released pending further enquiries.”

An update has now been provided six months on, with a suspect named before they are due to appear in court to face a charge of drink-driving in relation to the incident.

The spokesman confirmed: “Gareth Tinsley, aged 32 and of Warrington Road, Glazebury, has been summoned to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on August 28 charged with drink-driving.”

Following the incident, a spokesman for Rokka Bar and Grill said that thankfully no one was injured, although all were ‘a bit shaken up’.

“We would like to say thank you for the outpouring of support that we have received from the community and kind messages,” they added.