McDonald’s receipt convicts hit-and-run driver who left motorbike rider with serious injuries

 

Incriminating: A receipt led police to CCTV footage of Andrews at this McDonald's

A hit and run driver who left a motorbike rider seriously injured was caught - by a McDonald’s receipt found in his car, a court heard.
Reckless Daniel Andrews was driving at over 60mph on the wrong side of the road and drove through a red light when he ploughed into Simon Carter’s Yamaha.
The rider was sent “flying into the air” by the impact and Andrews, 23, of Boldon Colliery Tyne and Wear, fled the scene.
He was already serving a road ban and had no insurance, a court heard.
The victim had his pelvis broken in two places, fractured his collarbone and spent 13 days in hospital after the smash on December 13.
Police launched a media appeal to trace Andrews after the crash, which involved his Ford Mondeo.
Andrews was tracked down by police at an address in South Shields, where he again tried to make a dash for freedom before being detained.

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Court: Andrews pleaded guilty at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court

He was identified after police found a receipt in the vehicle, which showed he had used the drive-through at a McDonald’s branch just half an hour before the collision.
Police visited the branch and identified Andrews from CCTV footage, which had captured him on film making a purchase.
Andrews pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving when he appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates Court.
District Judge Roger Elsey sent the case to Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing - but warned Andrews a lengthy jail sentence was ‘inevitable’.
Keith Laidlaw, prosecuting, said: “The defendant fled the scene and was chased on foot by police but got away. Police located him on January 2, when he again tried to flee.”
Mr Laidlaw said Andrews was considered a ‘flight risk’ and said he should stay in custody until sentencing.
Judge Elsey remanded Andrews in custody until his crown court date on January 18.

Newcastle Chronicle

Sentence: Andrews’ case has been sent to Newcastle Crown Court

The court heard that one witness had been forced to jump for cover into a garden after Andrews’ car careered out of control after hitting the motorcycle.
A motorist described Andrews’ car as ‘speeding with no lights on’ and his driving as ‘erratic, fast and dangerous’.
Another motorist said in a statement that Andrews had overtaken a line of six cars, was travelling on the wrong side of the road and went through a red light.
Christopher Brown, defending, said: “He has entered an immediate guilty plea at the first opportunity.
“He accepts his driving fell below the standard required and an injury has followed.
“He is contrite which is supported by his immediate guilty plea.”
Judge Elsey told Andrews: “Given the injury suffered by the victim, the court’s sentencing powers are not sufficient.
“I will commit sentence to the crown court. A lengthy custodial sentence is inevitable.”