A drink-driver who drove into the back of a stationary car injuring the motorist has been jailed.

Daniel McGowan has been sentenced to 21 days in prison after he admitted failing to stop after the accident in Kirby Cross while more than twice the legal limit.

Sharon Moore, prosecuting, said McGowan drove into the back of the car, which was pulled over while the driver, Angela Smy, dealt with a mobile phone call.

Ms Moore said her car was written off in the accident and she had to wear a neck brace for weeks.

She said McGowan drove off but was later spotted by police swerving across the road. A breath test revealed he had 83mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

McGowan, 36, of Clacton Road, St Osyth, had been banned from driving for a year in 1997.

He admitted driving with excess alcohol and failing to stop after an accident on December 5, 2003.

Paul van Schaik, mitigating, said McGowan was regretful about the incident.

He said McGowan had not planned to drive that night, allowed his judgment to be impaired and that his behaviour was utterly stupid.

Colchester magistrates on Friday also banned McGowan for three years and ordered him to join a drink-drive rehabilitation scheme

Published Monday January 12, 2004

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