Teen driver crashed through pub

£60,000 damage was caused to a Shropshire pub when a teenager crashed his car into it.

John Beckett was yesterday fined £300 after admitting driving without due care and attention.

Market Drayton Magistrates heard the 18-year-old’s silver Peugeot 306 ended up on its side after crashing into the Falcon Inn at Hinstock in August last year.

Beckett, of Chancel Drive, Market Drayton, was also ordered to pay £60 costs and a £15 victim surcharge and his driving licence was endorsed with five penalty points.

Mr John Barnett, prosecuting, told the court that after the crash, Beckett was seen by the licensee of the pub sitting on a wall, being tended by a woman.

When asked by the woman what had happened, he had replied he was racing his mate, said Mr Barnett.

“Structural damage was caused to the building in the region of £60,000,” he said.

Mr Barnett said Beckett told a police officer he had been attempting an overtaking manoeuvre.

He said there was a vehicle approaching in the opposite direction and as he pulled back in, he lost control of the vehicle.

Kate Walters, for Beckett, said: “It is very difficult for Mr Beckett to dispute the prosecution case simply because he has very limited recollection,” she said.

She said Beckett was viewed by his employer as an asset and had been co-operative from the outset.

She said Beckett had visited the pub to apologise.