Crash driver identified via media campaign
A MEDIA campaign was successful in identifying the driver of a green Ford Fiesta who crashed in to a wall at the St Martin’s M&S and left without stopping.
Police Prosecutor Jim Bell told the Magistrate’s Court that the collision had happened at about 8.30pm on 9 March this year. A media release was sent out appealing for information following which a member of the public suggested police look at a car parked in Les Petites Fontaines. When they did they found that damage to it could be linked to the damage to the wall.
When they spoke to the vehicle’s owner, Frances Malledent, of Stepping Stone, Les Petites Fontaines, Bouillonne Steps, St Peter Port, she admitted being the driver and causing the damage.
In court, she pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, failing to stop after an accident, and failing to report it.
She told the court she had not realised that she had caused that much damage to the wall. She had been in shock and had just wanted to get home where she felt safe.
She had not realised that you had to stop after an accident and report it.
Judge Russell Finch said the incident would be costly for Ms Mallendent. He fined her £300 for failing to report the accident and banned her from driving for three months.
Fines of £200 were meted for both the offences of driving without due care and attention, and failing to stop.
