Isle of Wight drink driver hit car and ran down its owner twice

Paul Smith, of Hopkins Walk in Arreton, attended the IW Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 19, and pleaded guilty to drink driving and assault by beating.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said the 67-year-old’s victim had parked on Cherrywood View in Arreton to close his vehicle’s fuel filler cap at 1.45pm on November 4, when Smith, in his Ford Focus Titanium, collided with the car and carried on down the road.

Following the car on foot, the victim came up to the window of Smith’s car, where he was met with verbal abuse and witnessed Smith reverse into a hedge, said Ms Miller.

Cherrywood View in Arreton (Image: Google Maps)
The victim went to take a photo of the Ford’s number plate when Smith hit the man with his car twice, missing him a third time after the man dodged.

Ms Miller told magistrates Smith drove back to the victim’s car and collided with it again before getting out and walking towards the man aggressively, with the situation being defused by a witness.

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Police arrived five minutes later and found Smith in his home, sitting on the toilet, where he became confrontational with officers after being asked to come into the lounge, Ms Miller said.

Magistrates heard that Smith attempted to leave the property, initially resisted officers and refused to cooperate with an alcohol breath test.

After being arrested, Smith later provided a sample at the police station, showing a reading of 116, when the legal limit is 35.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said his client was of previous good character, with no convictions or reprimands, and a clean licence, adding that it was not typical for him to behave this way.

Mr Vincent said Smith’s three-and-a-half-year relationship had recently ended when his fiancé left him.

Smith's ex had visited his home, bringing the family dog, earlier that day to collect her belongings, the court heard.

Magistrates were told that Smith, in an attempt to stay out of her way, took the dog for a walk in Shanklin, where he decided to get a drink and "waste a bit of time."

The court heard that, since the incident, Smith reduced his alcohol intake almost to the point of being tee-total and was ashamed and embarrassed of his actions.

Smith, who was handed an interim driving disqualification, will return to court on January 31 for sentencing.