Car accident news -
17/08/2009
Prison likely for Torquay drunk driver

A 26-year-old woman from Torquay who drunk drove through the front window of a local shop has been told to expect a prison term for offences related to the car accident.

On February 2 the woman attempted to drive a Rover from Paignton to Brixham, crashing through bollards and road signs before shattering the window of a motorbike and scooter retailer.

The judge hearing the case at Exeter Crown Court explained why he considered the woman's actions in the lead up to the car accident warranted a prison sentence, saying, "You have a background of violence and disorderly behaviour while in drink and this substantial amount of damage was also caused in drink.

"Prison might well be the result, whatever is said in the pre-sentence report and all sentencing options will be open to the court.

The owner of the Moto Centre shop says he now faces a £20,000 repair bill. "I do feel pretty angry because it's cost me a lot of money. We are hoping it will be reclaimable through the compensation pool," he said.

"But she has to be convicted first, then allegedly we may get some compensation.

"We couldn't repair it straight away, we had to wait a few months.

"We were back up and running again within three to four months. It did affect business.

"We had tapes out the front and it looked terrible."

No one is reported to have suffered personal injury in the car crash.