A MAN who was hospitalised after crashing a Mini on the A56 near Thornton in Craven before Christmas has been banned from driving for 16 months.

Mark Foster, 47, suffered broken ribs and a lacerated liver after losing control of his wife’s car at around 10pm on December 1, heard Skipton Magistrates Court today (Friday).

When police arrived they found the road blocked and extensive damage to the car’s front, rear and sides. No one was in the vehicle at the time but soon afterwards, Foster turned up, said he had been the driver and that he was the sole occupant. Officers noted he was in drink and Foster admitted he had drunk ‘a couple of gin and tonics’.

A road side test was positive and Foster was taken to hospital. A blood sample was taken at the hospital which later revealed he had 135 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Foster, of previous good character admitted drink driving.

In mitigation, Mohammed Hussain said Foster had spent some time in hospital following the accident and had only just gone back to work in a warehouse, where he was on light duties.

He understood he would lose his licence and that it would cause him difficulties. It had been a salutory lesson, said Mr Hussain.

Foster, of Dale Street, Earby, was also fined £357 with costs of £85 and a surcharge of £35. If he completes a drink drivers rehabilitation course, his ban will be reduced by 16 weeks.