Police cells

Driver who fled Briddlesford crash scene jailed

The driver of the car who fled the scene of a serious road traffic incident on Briddlesford Road in June has today (Tuesday) been jailed for 22 weeks.

31-year-old Benjamin Entwistle pleaded guilty to eight charges at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court.

The CP report that he admitted three counts of driving while disqualified, three counts of driving with no insurance, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident.

Not responsible for collision
Entwistle’s driving was found not to be responsible for the collision, but he fled the scene from which young mum, Becky Wall, ended up in a coma from.

The defending solicitor said Entwistle’s family had been subjected to a vile display of online abuse and had threats made against them. He questioned how three months in prison would bring any justice for Ms Wall’s family.

Magistrate: Won’t tolerate this behaviour
The presiding magistrate said they would not tolerate this kind of behaviour on the Isle of Wight.

As well as jailing Entwistle for 22 weeks, he had 18 points added to his license, was banned from driving for five years and ordered to pay £200 costs.

Article edit
7.15pm 24 Sep 2019 – Sentence referred to 22 months instead of weeks.

Source: IWCP

Image: nespirit under CC BY 2.0