A scallop diver who rear-ended a car, and drove off without stopping while his passenger gave the middle finger, has been fined and told to “take adult responsibilities” by a Magistrate.
Harry James Jones (27), who also had outstanding parking fines, pleaded guilty to all three offences in the Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The court heard how a man bringing his child to football was driving a Kia on Wellington Road on Sunday 16 March. The car was rear-ended by a white van, which was driven by Jones.
As Jones drove off, his passenger showed the Kia driver the middle finger.
While no-one was injured, the court heard that the Kia driver and his child were “quite upset” by the incident.
Jones attended a voluntary interview at the police station, where he gave a no-comment interview, which he was entitled to do. But he also wrote “no comment” on a police form, despite being warned that this could result in a £10,000 fine.
Advocate Frances Littler, defending, said Jones had become aware of the Kia after turning the corner near De La Salle College, and that it had its hazard lights on.
She highlighted that Jones had entered guilty pleas at the earliest opportunity, and that he used his employer’s van to go scallop diving, to deliver to restaurants, and to help transport a coworker who doesn’t have a driving licence.
She added that his income varies by season and that his job means he has significant expenses, having to buy a new dry suit every year.
“My client is very regretful that he finds himself in this position today. His decision was borne out of shock,” she said.
Handed Jones a £2,780 penalty, Magistrate Bridget Shaw said: “If you’re going to drive a vehicle, you have to accept the responsibility of driving a vehicle.
“If you have a vehicle that is involved in an accident, then it is absolutely your responsibility to stop and make sure everyone is alright and exchange details for insurance purposes.”
She said shock “is not an excuse”.
“Any accident will be a shock. You still have those responsibilities.”
Shock was not an excuse for not giving the police information, as this happened some time later, she added.
“You are 27 years old. You have to take adult responsibilities with the adult privilege of driving on the road.
“It is not something you can just mess around at.”
She encouraged Jones to put himself in the other driver’s shoes, particularly as Jones’s passenger gave them the middle finger.
“It is shocking,” she said.
Jones said he apologised to the driver
