Asleep at the wheel

Friday 11 October 2019

A 21-year-old man who flipped his car after falling asleep at the wheel has appeared in Guernsey's Magistrate's Court for driving dangerously and without insurance.

Stuart Gallie was driving along Forest Road at 07:50 on 27 May when he crashed into an earth bank, causing the car to flip onto its side and travel around 40m on the opposite side of the road.

The defendant spoke to Guernsey Police officers who arrived shortly after and confirmed he had not been drinking alcohol. He explained to the officers how he had fallen asleep and had only woken up on hearing the 'bang' when his car hit the bank.

Pictured: The crash happened along Forest Road.

The Court heard how Gallie had a "chaotic lifestyle" at the time, which had resulted in him sleeping in his car the night before the incident.

Duty Advocate, Phoebe Cobb, explained the defendant had been given the car for free shortly before the incident and fully intended on getting it insured. However, with an impending driving ban, Gallie asked that Police dispose of the vehicle.

On sentencing, Judge Graeme McKerrell gave the defendant full credit for his early guilty plea and cooperation throughout the case. 

Pictured: The defendant was sentenced in the Magistrate's Court.

"You could have put others at risk," he said. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Although the ordinary punishment would be a "hefty fine", Judge McKerrell decided to take an "an unusual course of action" in light of Gallie's circumstances and lack of relevant previous convictions. He noted that the defendant would struggle to pay a fine and was likely to subsequently end up in prison for the "wrong reasons" if one was imposed.

The defendant took an oath of good behaviour for one year and is required to report to Probation Services throughout that time. Gallie also received a 12 month driving ban.

Pictured top: File image.