South Shields driver smashed car into probation office…

South Shields driver smashed car into probation office doors after drinking five cans of lager

A man smashed his car into the doors of a probation office after drinking five cans of lager.

Kevin Hunter crashed his Seat Leon into the doors of South Tyneside Probation Office in South Shields on Sunday, July 10 this year and was found drunk with empty cans of booze inside the vehicle by police. The 40-year-old, who went on to fail to provide a sample for police, said he carried out the offence in order to get help for his mental health.

Hunter, of Stanhope Road, South Shields, appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court to be sentenced for criminal damage and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He had pleaded guilty to the offences.

Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said police were called to the probation office following reports of a man crashing his car into the building's doors. She said: "There was visible damage to the office door, a handrail and a nearby tree. The defendant was found at the scene, police spoke to him and he was evasive when asked about the circumstances." Ms Beck added CCTV later identified Hunter as being the driver.

The court heard empty cans of booze were found in the car as well as a can of lager in the centre console. He admitted he'd been drinking when asked and a roadside breath test was carried out which was positive. Hunter was then taken to Southwick police station in Sunderland where he began to act aggressively and failed to provide a further sample. He told the the police: "I was not driving anyway, I'm going to fail to provide." He then failed to provide a second time, saying he didn't "trust" the breathalyser.

Kevin Hunter outside South Tyneside Magistrates Court in South Shields (Newcastle Chronicle)

A probation report read out to the court detailed how Hunter had drank "five cans of lager" on the day of the offence and was "intoxicated". It said: "The sole purpose (of the offence) was to get help and he was at the point of having a breakdown. He thought this was the best way to secure support for his mental health."

David Forrester, defending, said that Hunter had experienced periods of homelessness and suffered from PTSD. He added: "He had been drinking and he was upset."

Magistrates sentenced Hunter to a 24-month community order and 15 rehabilitation days. He must also carry out 160 hours unpaid work, pay £500 compensation and was banned from driving for 36 months.

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