Hit-and-run driver sent to prison

Burnley Magistrates heard how binge drinker John Alan Noble, 43, was still more than three times the limit three hours after the accident in Albert Road, Colne. He could remember nothing about it.

His victim Stephen Beck, 24, suffered serious injuries but when Noble was later interviewed by police he tried to pretend his car must have been stolen.

Officers had found him very drunk, with cut hands, when they turned up at his home, and blood-stained clothing was in the washing machine.

Noble, of Colne Lane, Colne, admitted driving with excess alcohol, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident, on May 21. The defendant, who has no previous convictions, was banned for 28 months.

Neil White, prosecuting, said the case was one of the worst drink driving cases the court would come across.

He said Mr Beck had been out in Colne and was crossing the road outside the Crown Pub when he was hit by a car. His head hit the windscreen, he flew over the top of the vehicle and was left lying in the road.

Mr Beck was taken to Burnley General Hosptal, where a bar and pins were put in his broken right leg. He also had to have nine stitches to his arm and five in his head. He was an in-patient for four days and afterwards was on crutches and in great pain.

Police found a Seat car badge, a piece of car number plate and glass at the scene and then came across a Seat badly damaged. Noble was registered as keeper.

Mr White said forensic tests showed blood from Mr Beck was on the damaged windscreen of the Seat and Noble's blood was inside the car.

David Lawson, defending, said Noble had no recollection of the accident, but accepted he must have been driving.

He knew he had caused Mr Beck distress and was sorry. At the time of the offences, the defendant had been drinking to excess because his mother was suffering from lung cancer. She died in July.

The solicitor went on:"He found solace in drink."