Driver who hit tree blames failing brakes
A DRIVER hit an oak tree in L’Hyvreuse Avenue, St Peter Port, early one morning in April, when he said the brakes had failed, the Magistrate’s Court was told.
Nuno Franco, of 63, Hauteville, St Peter Port, admitted using a vehicle in an unsafe condition, and driving without due care and attention.
Law Officer’s Liaison Scott Bourgaize told the court how the collision happened at about 5.15am as Mr Franco was taking his girlfriend to work.
The road was wet at the time, it was dark, and there was little street lighting in the area.
The accident occurred as he approached the junction with Les Buttes.
Extensive damage was caused to the blue Hyundai Getz and the air bags were deployed. The offside headlight of the vehicle was thrown five metres down the road.
The defendant’s partner needed stitches to a face wound. He told police at the scene that the brakes had failed so the vehicle was seized for inspection. A police vehicle examiner found the brakes were poorly maintained. There was significant corrosion to the brake pipes and the brake pads were worn down to the bare metal.
In interview, he said the car had slid when the brakes failed. He maintained he had been driving within the 25mph speed limit. He told the court that he had bought the vehicle about three months before. The seller had told him it was in good working condition and Mr Franco said he had not heard any noises with the brakes beforehand.
He took the option offered by the court prior to sentencing of taking legal advice over the consequences that any driving ban could have on him. He will appear in court again in November. [8]
