A DRUNK driver who collided with another car left his victim trapped as he fled the scene for fear of “getting into trouble”.
Steven Gardner, 38, from Dalkeith, loss control of the Mercedes he was driving on the A7 Edinburgh to Galashiels road on November 22 last year.
He crashed into Steven Price’s Ford Fiesta at around 7.10pm.
Mr Price pleaded with Gardner to help him out of his car, but he took off down the road on foot and hailed another car, asking the driver to call 999.
Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard today that the third party driver reported that Gardne smelled quite strongly of alcohol, and that he asked him how muh trouble he would be in at court for drink driving.
Procurator Fiscal Karen Rollo said: “It was only after this other driver persuaded him did he go back to the scene.
“The victim had to be cut out of the car and suffered serious injuries, including a compression fracture in his back.
“He still has to go or spinal check-ups.
“Mr Gardner admitted to police that he had had three or four pints.”
Gardner pled guilty to being over the limit, and driving without due care or attention to the safety of others.
He also pled guilty to driving without insurance according to the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Mark Hutchieson, representing Garder, said: “My client paniced but did return to the scene.
“He admits what he did was wrong.”
Sheriff Jarvie said this was a very serious case and that she needed more time to look into the details.
She deferred sentencing until 6 December.
REPORT: Christine Lavelle
