Jersey drunk driver avoids prison after crashing into car and fleeing the scene

A man in Jersey has been sentenced to 312 hours of community service for causing serious injury whilst drink driving.

Jersey's Royal Court heard how Pedro Nuno Rodrigues Caires was on his way home from a christening where he had been drinking, when he crashed into a stationary Toyota Yaris, seriously injuring the driver.

CCTV footage captured the 39 year-old reaching speeds of 80mph on Queens Road shortly before the incident on the evening of Sunday 9 of July.

Extensive damage was caused to both vehicles and the walls of the surrounding properties due to the impact.

Caires fled the scene on foot, running home.

The driver of the Yaris was a takeaway delivery driver who was found unconscious at the scene - he regained consciousness before being taken to hospital.

Caires was arrested at his home address in the early hours of the following morning, where he was found to be over the legal drink drive limit.

The court heard how the victim suffered bruises on the brain and other minor physical injuries but was released from hospital 48 hours after the incident.

However, he continued to suffer with dizziness and had periods of insomnia.

Only one of the drivers injuries fell within the 'serious injury' category, being bruises to the brain.

The defendant was inconsolable in the dock, sobbing audibly throughout the hearing.

Caires pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and failing to stop and report an accident.

The prosecution suggested a sentence of 3 years in prison but due to the delay in court proceedings the Bailiff said the defendant had already "suffered an extra punishment" and had shown "clear and genuine remorse", mitigating his sentence.

He has been sentenced to 312 hours of community service and been disqualified from driving for 2 years and 6 months.

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