Drink driver reported own van stolen after crashing into parked cars
Man disqualified after attempting to mislead police following St Neots crash
A drink driver who fled the scene of a crash and later falsely reported his van stolen has been banned from driving for 14 months.
Daniel Cawley, 25, crashed his white Ford van into parked cars on Huntingdon Street, St Neots, at around 9pm on Wednesday 30 April.
Witnesses reported that Cawley appeared intoxicated, slurring his words, before walking off in the direction of Great Paxton.
Less than an hour later, at 9.56pm, Cawley contacted police claiming he had just noticed his van was missing from outside his home in Paxton Hill and believed it had been stolen.
However, a member of the public had recorded video footage of the crash, clearly showing Cawley exiting the driver’s side of the vehicle. Officers who arrived at his home soon afterwards found he was over the legal alcohol limit and arrested him after a failed breath test.
Cawley pleaded guilty to drink driving and obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 24 September. He was disqualified from driving for 14 months and ordered to pay an £80 fine.
PC Charles Peters, who led the investigation, said:
“Cawley crashed his vehicle, fled the scene, and attempted to mislead officers by providing a false report. He should have remained at the scene because inquiries quickly revealed the truth.”
Cambridgeshire Police operate a dedicated, confidential hotline – 0800 032 0845 – available 24/7 for reporting those suspected of driving under the influence.
Further information on drink and drug driving laws can be found on the force’s road safety webpages.