An Exeter drink-driver who stole his landlord’s car and crashed it into a garden has been slapped with a drive ban and ordered to do unpaid work.
A 36-year-old man has appeared in court after he had a “little drink” and crashed his landlord’s Mercedes into a woman’s front garden, writes Isabelle Pinnock, OPCC court reporting scheme.
Viktors Savcuks, of Melbourne Street, Exeter, pleaded guilty to drink driving, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, driving without insurance or a licence, and failing to report an accident from January 22 this year.
He also admitted three counts of shoplifting from November and December last year and failing to surrender to bail when he was due in court last March.
Just before 5pm on January 21, police received reports from a member of the public that a silver Mercedes was “driving all over the road” with no headlights on.
Police attended Cowick Street but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At 6:40 the same evening, a second call from a homeowner reported that a silver Mercedes had crashed into her front garden, caused significant damage, and left.
A witness identified the driver as Savcuks; she recognised him as he had previously lived with her son.
Two hours later, the owner of the Mercedes told police that his car had been stolen, and that he suspected that his lodger, Savcuks, had taken it.
Officers located the car just before midnight at the Shell garage in Exeter.
The defendant was arrested and found to be over double the legal alcohol limit.
Warjinder Baines, prosecuting, said: “He has not just taken the vehicle, he has used it to commit further offences, including drink driving.”
The court heard that the owners of both the car and garden made no claims for compensation.
In unrelated matters, Savcuks attended Sainsburys in Alphington, Exeter, on three separate occasions and stole five bottles of wine and some food to the value of £34.94.
The defendant has no previous convictions.
Savcuks, representing himself, said he has lived at the property for two years.
“I had a little drink,” he said.
“This is the first time I have been in this situation,” Savcuks added.
“When I am stressed, I drink alcohol.”
Sentencing, District Judge Smith said: “You have got to address the issues that you have with alcohol, not only to prevent further offences but for your own health.”
Savcuks was handed a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirements and 220 hours of unpaid work.
He was banned from the road for 28 months and fined £40 for failing to attend court.
He must also pay compensation to Sainsbury’s, court costs of £85, and a surcharge of £114.
