A intoxicated partygoer who appropriated a 4×4 buggy from a holiday park and crashed it into a campervan, causing damage amounting to £24,000, managed to evade imprisonment.
Jack Macconnachie, 27, encountered the potent John Deere Gator buggy outside the Waterside Holiday Park in Weymouth, Dorset, while making his way home in an inebriated state.
He employed a knife discovered within the utility vehicle to activate it before embarking on a reckless joyride. Despite his hazy recollection of the incident, he later mentioned that he perceived it as a viable means to reach home.
Covering a distance of four miles, he eventually rammed into the side of a Fiat Ducato campervan, fortunately unoccupied at the time. Following the collision, Macconnachie absconded on foot, only to be apprehended at his residence later and subsequently hospitalized for injuries sustained in the crash.
Weymouth Magistrates’ Court was informed that Macconnachie had been reveling in honor of a friend’s birthday on July 29 the previous year.
Indulging heavily in alcohol and cocaine, the festivities extended into the early hours of July 30 at a friend’s residence.
His 131 mcg/100 ml blood alcohol concentration was nearly twice the legal limit, and his Benzoylecgonine levels were about five times the acceptable threshold, suggesting that he used a considerable amount of cocaine, according to the results of his blood tests.
Robert Salame, the prosecutor, detailed the events, stating: ‘Between 7am and 7.30am, the defendant unlawfully took control of a John Deere Gator vehicle. He activated the engine using a knife discovered within the vehicle.
‘He proceeded to operate the vehicle, resulting in a collision with a stationary Fiat Ducato campervan, inflicting substantial damage to both vehicles.
‘Afterwards, he vacated the scene on foot and was subsequently apprehended at his residence. The defendant was then transported to the hospital due to injuries consistent with a road traffic accident.’
Macconnachie, a self-employed bricklayer, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, driving under the influence of alcohol, and drug driving.
During the court proceedings, his probation officer remarked: ‘Mr. Macconnachie possesses limited recollection of the events, attributed to his prior use of cocaine and alcohol, as well as his hospitalization. The evening before, he was commemorating a friend’s birthday, imbibing heavily throughout the gathering.
‘His motive for appropriating the buggy from the holiday park remains unclear, although its proximity to the house party suggests he may have perceived it as a means to return home.’
‘The collision occurred near his residence, and coincidentally, the victim happens to be an acquaintance of his mother’s. She expressed profound regret to him regarding the incident.
‘He has conveyed remorse, feeling devastated and ashamed of his actions.’
Lee Christmas, in defense of Macconnachie, addressed the magistrates: ‘He promptly pleaded guilty, providing comprehensive and candid statements to the authorities during interrogation, displaying full cooperation.
‘Since his arrest, he has engaged with Reach, willingly undergoes drug testing, and attends weekly sessions.’
Macconnachie received a suspended 12-week prison sentence, valid for 12 months. Additionally, he was mandated to undertake a six-month drug rehabilitation program, adhere to a nightly curfew from 9pm to 5am for six months, cover £239 in costs, and endure a 40-month driving disqualification.